The flora and fauna of the four seasons of the coast of Maine come to life in Rankin’s (The Wriggly, Wriggly Baby, 2002, etc.) magnificent artwork. From the ordinary—ducks, squirrels, and turtles—to the more unusual—sea roses, cormorants, and sandpipers—the full-page illustrations capture the colors and fascinating life that abounds near the many coves, inlets, and ponds of its rugged coast. Young readers will enjoy counting from one to twenty as they learn to identify different plants and animals and watch the seasons change. Each page features a white number within the illustration, with a single word underneath. The final illustration shows an overhead view of Swan Harbor, labeled with the territory of each plant or animal. It also gives readers a sense of the geography of the area and the changes that occur from spring to winter. Older children will be fascinated with the information included in the “Intriguing Nature Facts” section in the back. This is a gorgeous selection that children will treasure long after they have grown up. (Picture book. 3-8)
