Over and Under the Pond

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

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Description

A follow up to Over and Under the Snow and Up in the Gardenand Down in the Dirt, this time focusing on the rich,interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. As parent andchild launch a canoe from the muddy shore and paddle throughwater lilies, they see frogs jump and painted turtles slide offlogs, disappearing beneath the murky water. Whats happeningdown there Under the pond, leeches lurk, crayfish scuttleunder rocks, nymphs build intricate shells, and microscopicanimals break down fallen leaves to recharge the water withnutrients. Over the pond, fuzzy cattails sway in the breeze, anda pair of loons swim by, laughing in the dappled sunlight. Anauthor's note discusses not only the different organismsfeatured, but also the truly remarkable balance of this wetlandecosystem, the way plants and animals create a chemicalbalance that sustains the lives of the pond.

'[A] lovely study of the ways animals spend the winter.' Publishers Weekly, starred review

'Messner packs much information into the serene wintrylandscape, beautifully captured in Neals stunning retro-styleillustrations.' The New York Times

'Beautifully rendered.' The Horn Book, starred review

'This book depicting beauty in nature is a gem . . . . Anyonelooking for a picture book that also teaches science will lovethis title.' Library Media Connection, starred review

Reviews

"Playful and lovely to read aloud... even older budding naturalists will find something to enjoy here."-School Library Journal
"A contemplative journey through an ecosystem."--USA Today
"Conveys the sights and sounds and motions of a peaceful day spent enjoying and observing nature."-The Horn Book Magazine
"Dazzling."-Publishers Weekly, starred review

Author Bio

Kate Messner is the award-winning author of Over and Underthe Snow, Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, Tree ofWonder, and How to Read a Story, as well as more than adozen other books for young readers. Kate lives in New Yorkwith her family. When shes not writing, she loves spendingtime outsidecross country skiing, hiking, swimming, anddigging in her gardens. Learn more at her website www.katemessner.com.

Christopher Silas Neal is an award-winning illustrator whosework has been published in a variety of books, magazines, andhas been featured on television. He is a regular contributor tothe New York Times and shows his art at various galleriesnationwide. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn andteaches at Pratt Institute. Find out more about Chris at www.redsilas.com.