Be a Pond Detective

November 1, 2016

Gr 3-5-In a conversational tone, this work debunks common assumptions about pond flora and fauna. Kochanoff uses a question-and-answer format, with additional facts peppered in. Well-designed pages unify text and watercolor illustrations into an accessible reading experience. Tidbits about the major animal groups as well as information on specific creatures like frogs, painted turtles, mosquitoes, muskrats, cattails, and much more are offered. For a little edginess, the author includes a section on leeches, with an explanation on how to dislodge the bloodsuckers without risking infection. Each segment is well organized, beginning with a question and ending with the exclamation "Mystery Solved!" Appended is an animal and plant identification quiz, with an answer key. VERDICT A light, cozy read for additional purchase.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

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