River Discoveries

Children's Literature

This beautifully illustrated book examines the wildlife living and thriving in a river ecosystem during a twenty-four hour period. The author introduces youngsters to thirteen animals that depend on the river for food and shelter. These animals include moose, ospreys, brook trout, water beetles, river otters, red-winged blackbirds, water shrews, catfish, raccoons, tiger salamanders, beavers, mountain lions, and dragonflies. Arranged to reflect a typical day (from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.—in two-hour increments), this resource features informative double-page spreads containing colorful watercolor illustrations, fascinating facts, and discussion questions. At the end of the book, an animal picture search and glossary are included. In addition to learning about the river's habitat and natural resources, young readers can also explore the physical characteristics and behaviors of various animals, as well as the interdependent nature of this special ecosystem. Young naturalists will have fun investigating all of the different river activities that can take place on any given day. This is a wonderful resource to read at home or take along on a field trip to a nearby river. 2002, Charlesbridge,
— Debra Briatico

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-Twenty-four hours in the existence of a river environment are brought to life in this fact-filled picture book. Animals, habitats, and ecosystems are displayed through lifelike watercolor illustrations that depict the relationship of wildlife and insects to the river. The clear, explicit drawings provide an outstanding visual presentation and the potential for learning extensions. The easy-to-understand text is equally effective as a read-aloud or for research. A question is posed for each animal introduced, such as "How does this trout keep from floating downriver with the currents?" As the creatures enter the environment, readers see how they interact with it. This technique provides good visual reference as well as a basis for additional discussion and learning. The end of the book contains a beautiful spread showing a 24-hour perspective of river animals, and students will have fun sharing their observations and adding to a class discussion. This outstanding book provides a strong instructional tool for thematic integration of the subject matter.-Barbara L. McMullin, Casita Center for Technology, Science & Math, Vista, CA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

The author introduces 13 animals that live (or lived) near North American rivers, including the common dragonfly, water beetle, blackbird, raccoon, and catfish as well as the less common moose, river otter, water shrew, osprey, beaver, trout, salamander, and mountain lion. She describes how the different animals use the river from morning to night to find food, play, and raise their young. Each page is devoted to a different animal, the left page showing a full color portrait and providing text, while the right shows the animal in the pond at a specific time of day. The same painting of the pond appears on each right-hand page, only the changing light and shadow indicates the passage of time as various animals come and go throughout the day and evening. While the technique is interesting, it is not entirely successful here. The pale colors used and the sameness of scene sap the river of vitality. The effect is of a museum diorama rather than viewing a river first hand. Like the author's previous titles, Desert Discoveries (1997) and Tundra Discoveries (1999), there are some interesting facts provided, for example, the shiny water beetle sticks its bottom out of the water to draw air into a special cavity. Underwater, the air is released from the cavity via tiny tubes, allowing the beetle to jet along and avoid its enemies. A question is provided on each page to encourage careful listening. The title concludes with a double-page spread with all the animals present in the pond and a brief glossary. While the author's appreciation of the natural world is evident, the text is livelier than the illustrations. (Nonfiction. 8-10)