The Swamp Where Gator Hides

by Marianne Berkes, Roberta Baird (Illustrator)

Overview

Beautiful art and a fun poetic cumulative verse makes learning fun! Readers will gain knowledge of the ecosystem in the swamp and an appreciation for the world around us!

Under the algae that carpets the swamp, near the duck who paddles in ooze, close to the turtle who takes a snooze . . . hides a gator! Still as a log, only his watchful eyes can be seen. But when gator moves, he really moves! What happens to the duck, the turtle, the egret, the deer, and the many other critters of the swamp when gator makes his move? Children will search for the gator and get a glimpse of real life in a swamp. Back material offers insight into this unique habitat and each of the featured animals. Berkes offers tips on how to engage young children actively in the topic, and Baird—who lives in Texas and has gators in her back yard—offers insights into how she created the images digitally.

Backmatter Includes:

• Further information about gators and the swamps where they live!

A perfect book for:

• parents and teachers needing homeschool supplies for kindergarten (or any grade!)
• anyone looking for a habitat book for kids
• anyone looking for children's books to help instill an appreciation of our planet!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781584694700
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	03/01/2014
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD680L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 10 Years

About the Author

Marianne Berkes has spent much of her life as a teacher, children's theater director and children's librarian. She knows how much children enjoy "interactive" stories and is the author of many entertaining and educational picture books that make a child's learning relevant. Reading, music, theater, gardening, and cooking have been a constant in Marianne's life. Her books are inspired by her love of nature. Marianne hopes to open kids' eyes to the magic found in our natural world. She now writes full time. An energetic presenter at schools and conferences, Marianne believes that "hands on" learning is fun. Her website is www.MarianneBerkes.com.

Editorial Reviews

2014-01-15
This exploration of the creatures of the Florida Everglades is delivered in a familiar, cumulative House-that-Jack-Built style. The swamp scene begins with a simple bit of algae and expands bit by bit as the clever verse grows to include a bobcat, a vole, an egret up high in a nest, a grazing deer, a rumbling bullfrog and a "snake / who slithers around / past the turtle / taking a snooze / ignoring the duck / who paddles in ooze / under the algae / that carpets the swamp / where gator hides." Gator finally reveals himself as he makes a grab for a sunfish, who scoots away just in time. Poor Gator. "Who will he have for lunch today?" The realistic illustrations have a stiff and somewhat amateurish quality, but they are appealing nonetheless, featuring deep greens and browns with accents of blue and purple. Children will enjoy spotting the alligator hiding in each page spread and learning more about the swamp and its inhabitants through the notes that follow the story. A pleasing introduction to the swamp appropriate for individual exploration or sharing with a group or class. (author's & illustrator's notes, further resources) (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews