Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Out and About: Celebrating Nature in Picture Books


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Cover art for IN THE SMALL, SMALL POND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 1993
by Denise Fleming, illustrated by Denise Fleming

"Another perfect introduction to nature for the very young. (Picture book. 1-6)"
 In the same format and gorgeous illustrative style, a companion to In the Tall, Tall Grass (1991, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor), with the succinct rhyming text (``waddle, wade, geese parade''), in bold black, beautifully integrated into art created in the process of making paper from pulp dyed in brilliant colors. Read full book review >
Cover art for ONE RAINY NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 1994
by Doris Gove, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop

"An inspiring look at finding out about nature while treating it kindly. (Picture book. 5-10)"
 Depicted by a former nature-center director, a fascinating expedition: On a rainy night, a boy and his parents collect new specimens. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY FATHER'S HANDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 1994
by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Mark Graham

"Lovely. (Picture book. 4-8)"
 A poet who has frequently celebrated nature in her picture books evokes a child's relationship with her father and the gentle example he sets her by his own relationship with the natural world. Read full book review >
Cover art for WAKE UP, LITTLE CHILDREN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 1996
by Jim Aylesworth, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop

"Inviting illustrations bathe verdant country scenes in a warm, impressionistic glow. (Picture book. 4-7)"
 Subtitled ``A Rise-and-Shine Rhyme,'' this wake-up story does for mornings what bedtime stories have long done for evenings. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WIND’S GARDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2001

"Parents beware; it also contains a tip on how youngsters can help the wind by blowing dandelion seeds. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Just in time for spring, Roberts (A Mouse Told His Mother, 1997, etc.) shows young readers that nature's beauty can be appreciated for both its tamed and wild sides. Read full book review >
Cover art for HENRY WORKS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2004

"Again, an unassuming, deeply affecting tribute to an essential philosopher and writer. (afterword) (Picture book. 7-9)"
Johnson adds new, rich meaning to a common phrase in his fourth Thoreau-esque episode. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAIL AWAY, LITTLE BOAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2006
by Janet Buell, illustrated by Jui Ishida

"Deeply respectful of the places where man and nature meet, this is a serene journey of beauty. (Picture book. 3-6)"
In this illustrated rhyme, readers follow a toy boat's journey from brook to ocean. Read full book review >
Cover art for DISCOVERING NATURE’S ALPHABET
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2006

"Shelve near Kjell Block Sandved's similar Butterfly Alphabet (1996) or Stephen Johnson's photorealistic Alphabet City (1995). (Picture book. 4-6)"
Wordless except for opening and closing remarks, an occasional phrase of commentary and a key at the back, this album of carefully framed but un-retouched photographs captures letter shapes in vines and tree branches, tufts of moss, rock formations, strands of seaweed, a lizard's tail and other natural objects. Read full book review >
Cover art for A DROP OF WATER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2006
by Gordon Morrison, illustrated by Gordon Morrison

"Carefully crafted and beautifully executed, this is a splendid addition to the science bookshelf. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-10)"
The drop of water on a child's finger may have begun in a rain cloud over a mountaintop, collected in a high forest stream, traveling down through bogs, woods, swamp, marsh and farmer's pond before continuing into the meadow brook the child explores. Read full book review >
Cover art for A FISHING SURPRISE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2007
by Rae A. McDonald, illustrated by Kathleen Kemly

"A gentle lesson that nature always provides if we are gracious enough to accept what she offers. (Picture book. 3-8)"
In this delightfully simple offering, a boy and a girl spend the day fishing, hoping to catch some fish to fry for supper. Read full book review >
Cover art for MAISY’S NATURE WALK
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2008
by Lucy Cousins, illustrated by Lucy Cousins

Maisy greets the arrival of spring with a jaunt through the countryside. Read full book review >
Cover art for WILD TRACKS!
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2008
by Jim Arnosky, illustrated by Jim Arnosky

"This slim, though oversize, package will spur aspiring nature detectives to do some tracking of their own. (table of contents) (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-10)"
Both picture book and field guide, Arnosky's 100th book shows how the shape and pattern of animal tracks reveal the identity and activity of the track maker. Read full book review >
Cover art for WINTER TREES
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2008
by Carole Gerber, illustrated by Leslie Evans

"Overall, a visually striking, cozy winter read. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Readers can almost hear boots crunching in the snow during this subtle, stylish wintry nature walk. Read full book review >
Cover art for SECRETS OF THE GARDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 28, 2012

"Sure to become a standard go-to for elementary teachers and gardeners alike, this is bound to spark some backyard explorations. (Informational picture book. 4-9)"
Zoehfeld's latest is a wonderfully informative and enjoyable journey through one family's backyard garden, from spring planting to fall harvest. Read full book review >
Cover art for STEP GENTLY OUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 13, 2012
by Helen Frost, photographed by Rick Lieder

"A dazzlingly poetic photo album of the insect world for tots on up. (Picture book. 2 & up)"
Breathtaking photos and an exquisite poem capture a bug's-eye view of nature. Read full book review >