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Books That Take You There: The Pond

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 Spring, with its abundant rain, is the perfect time to talk about ponds and pond life. From the diverse reptiles, fish, and amphibians who live in the water itself to the vast array of birds, insects, and mammals who depend on them, ponds are an ever-changing and interesting ecosystem to observe and study. What is your favorite thing about ponds? 

The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons
Written by Linda Booth Sweeney
Illustrated by Miki Sato 
Toronto: Owlkids Books, 2024. Picture Book.

A vernal pool, also known as an ephemeral pond, is a seasonal phenomenon that occurs when rainfall temporarily creates a wetland or pond. This beautifully collaged picture book follows a brother and sister as they observe one such pool through the seasons and how the area and wildlife changes with the weather.

Written by Sy Montgomery 
Illustrated by Matt Patterson
New York: Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2023. Informational. 

While turtles are a well-known pond staple, they are also one of the most diverse species on the planet, existing in many different ecosystems around the world. In The Book of Turtles, species of pond turtles such as the western painted turtle are discussed, however, readers will also be delighted by the "Extreme Turtles" section which categorizes turtles with titles, such as: stinkiest, flattest, and longest neck.  As these engaging informational descriptions are accompanied by startling photorealistic illustrations, you're sure to walk away feeling delighted!
 
Building
By Henry Cole
New York: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2022. Picture Book.


Follow along as a pair of beavers build a dam and lodge home to start their family and in doing so create an entirely new pond and corresponding ecosystem. With finely detailed drawings and simple language, Building, is an engaging introduction to this beginning life science concept. 


A Perfect Day
By Jennifer Yerkes
Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2021. Picture Book.

With soft minimalistic illustrations that wind through the symphony of nature that's created by the creatures who live in and around a pond on a summer's day, A Perfect Day, will bring to mind the remembrance of your own perfect days spent outside. 


At the Pond
By Geraldo Valério
Toronto; Berkeley: Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 2020. Picture Book. 

A wordless masterpiece that follows a young boy and his dog as they take a magical journey to the pond near their home, that also leaves readers with the message that nature is best life wild and untamed. 

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