Over in a River

October 1, 2013

PreS-K-Berkes uses the rhythm of the familiar song "Over in the Meadow" to highlight some U.S. rivers and the animals that call them home. Each stanza focuses on an animal parent with an incrementally larger group of babies. The names of the babies (pups, ducklings, smolts) are italicized. The number of offspring is colored to help attract attention. Two-thirds of each page is dedicated to an illustration of the animals in their habitats. Salmon leap high over the water, ducks waddle along the shore. The other third includes the text, a number, and a map of the United States with the river marked where the animal might be found. Unfortunately, the maps aren't very helpful-no states are named. The maps are blank except for the Great Lakes and the river's name, which makes it difficult for young audiences to pinpoint its actual location. It's also misleading in that many of the animals appear in multiple regions. The illustrations are done in collage, adding a sense of motion and energy to the dynamic lyrics. They attract readers' attention and create depth (including space to hide an additional animal in each illustration). The prolific back matter allows this simple text to be used and extended in a classroom. Children will enjoy the rhyme and gain a new appreciation of the river environment.-Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

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