JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT

In the manner of Wexler's Wonderful Pussy Willows (1992), a lucid description of this appealing woodland flower, focusing on its propagation and growth and complemented by stunning color photos detailing appearance, habitat, and such magnified details as the male and female flowers (one ``Jack'' can be either or both) and the tiny gnats that pollinate them. The author doesn't always answer questions he raises (why does the pulpit's hood ``seem to come in two colors''?), but otherwise he's admirably detailed and precise, using scientific terms while maintaining an easy, conversational tone and adding such intriguing bits as the Native American's preparation of the corms as a food (``Indian turnips'') despite the powerful taste that normally protects them. A handsome presentation that wonderfully conveys the fascination of learning a lot about a particular species. (Nonfiction. 7-11)