  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 04/01/2014 PreS-Gr 2—The sounds of the swamp come alive in this look at the creatures that live and feed there. At first, "water ripples." Creatures are introduced with an active verb following: "Crayfish crawl. Carry," "Turtles bob. Dig." Clearly, the creatures are all deftly aware of their surroundings as the center spread reveals a sudden cacophony of sound and each creature begins to feed ("Dragonflies circle. Slurp." "Bullfrogs pounce. Gulp."). And then, once again, "Water ripples in the swamp." The illustrations reveal a multitude of flora and fauna in various mediums of pen, ink, acrylic, and pastels in tones of green, brown, and orange. Detailed images entice young readers to explore for hidden treasures within this ecosystem. Endnotes detail the composition of the swamp and its place in the balance of nature. A large-spread illustrates the framework of the food chain within the area. A satisfying introduction to ecosystems and food chains.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 04/15/2014 With a short, staccato text and colorful illustrations, this picture book portrays life in a swamp. Each of the opening scenes includes only one short phrase, such as Turtles bob. Dig. The pace quickens on the center spread, where the text reads Hum / Simmer / Bellow / Drone / Splash / Scratch as a number of animals spring into action above and below the water, some chasing their prey, others trying to elude their predators. This sets the tone for the second half of the book, in which many swamp animals catch and eat smaller critters. The endnote, which briefly comments on swamps and food chains, is memorably illustrated with a line of animals (alligator, turtle, frog, bass, crayfish, dragonfly, mosquito) with gaping jaws, each intent on eating the smaller one beside it. A similar line of animals spirals across the endpapers. Created with ink, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, and pastel, Meisel’s lively illustrations capture swamp life without sentimentalizing or sensationalizing it. A colorful addition to classroom units on swamp ecology, food chains, and predation. - Copyright 2014 Booklist. Loading...
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