Pond

Stories about nature often feature disappearing wildlife and dwindling habitats, but LaMarche (Winter Is Coming) shows how nature can rebound. Matt realizes that the little spring bubbling up through a trash pile near his house might once have been a pond. He asks his friends Katie and Pablo to help him clean it up and dam the flow. As water begins to pool up behind their homemade dam, birds and animals appear. Canada geese used to pass overhead in the fall, but now "hundreds of them would fly down and rest on our pond." In LaMarche's spreads, the children--Matt and Katie are white, and Pablo appears to be Latino--are often viewed from a distance enjoying the paradise they've made, drifting on the water in a wooden dinghy, camping with Matt's father in the fall, and skating in the winter. The combination of children, water, trees, and birds offers many scenes of richness and wonder, and LaMarche's detailed artwork captures it in sharp focus. It's a powerful vision of making one's own wild place, with no special equipment or expenditure required. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 2--Like LaMarche's earlier titles, this one is an incredibly beautiful depiction of nature and all of its wonder. A story about renewal and changing seasons, this is the tale of Matt, a boy who sees potential in a small spring in an abandoned lot. Seeking the help of his sister and his friend Pablo, the young conservationist gets to work. Eventually, with the support of their parents, the children turn the trickle of water into a wonderful sanctuary for animals and people alike. This is a truly marvelous offering about our influence on nature and its influence on us. It is a celebration of all things natural in this world. The gentle text is highlighted by extraordinary, detailed illustrations. This selection is sure to fascinate readers young and old. VERDICT A lovely addition for most library collections, this gorgeous book will enchant and inspire.--Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh