Synopsis
An engaging and informative introduction to woodland animals in their habitats.
Children's Literature
A burrow deep beneath a "big tree on the edge of a field" becomes home to a succession of animals. In spring a woodchuck climbs out of the burrow and prepares to make his new home in a pasture. It isn't long before a rabbit moves in, finding the home a perfect place to raise her kits. By late fall she has vacated the burrow and a salamander takes over for the winter. So it goes through all the seasons until it comes full circle when another woodchuck nestles down for the winter. This perfect early science book is awash with lively acrylic illustrations depicting lots of action and the change of seasons. As each animal leaves the burrow it proclaims, "It's moving day" a refrain that youngsters will enjoy chiming in on. A fact sheet at the end gives additional information about the eight animals included in the text. In this era of going green and conservation here is a valuable lesson for children on how some animals recycle a resource. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey