Swamp Chomp

February 1, 2014
The names of several animals that might inhabit a cypress swamp, along with a plethora of verbs, adorn pages full of brightly colored animals, plants and water. The opening double-page spread depicts a half-submerged alligator, a generic wading bird, other aquatic life, a lurking, half-hidden mammal, and insects flitting about; the text reads, "In the swamp...water ripples." The final spread, similar but also purposefully including a fish in another wading bird's mouth, says, "Water ripples in the swamp." In between are close-up, cartoonlike depictions of various critters, each glossed with a few words: "Dragonflies swoop. Dip. // Crayfish crawl. Carry. / Bullfrogs wait. Lay." (It is unclear what, if any, are the objects of the transitive verbs. Carry minnows? Lay eggs?) Later, more active watercolor-and-ink drawings show animals eating other animals, with phrases such as "Bullfrogs pounce. Gulp." There is a nice interruption of rhythm when the alligators emerge on land with a sudden "Alligators CHOMP!" It is unclear until the endnote that the text and illustrations are attempting to show a cypress swamp food chain in action. The illustrations invite children to take their time finding animals and figuring out their activities; the text would sparkle equally if the author had played more with rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. (Informational picture book. 2-4)

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April 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 2-The sounds of the swamp come alive in this look at the creatures that live and feed there. At first, "water ripples." Creatures are introduced with an active verb following: "Crayfish crawl. Carry," "Turtles bob. Dig." Clearly, the creatures are all deftly aware of their surroundings as the center spread reveals a sudden cacophony of sound and each creature begins to feed ("Dragonflies circle. Slurp." "Bullfrogs pounce. Gulp."). And then, once again, "Water ripples in the swamp." The illustrations reveal a multitude of flora and fauna in various mediums of pen, ink, acrylic, and pastels in tones of green, brown, and orange. Detailed images entice young readers to explore for hidden treasures within this ecosystem. Endnotes detail the composition of the swamp and its place in the balance of nature. A large-spread illustrates the framework of the food chain within the area. A satisfying introduction to ecosystems and food chains.-Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2014
Preschool-G With a short, staccato text and colorful illustrations, this picture book portrays life in a swamp. Each of the opening scenes includes only one short phrase, such as Turtles bob. Dig. The pace quickens on the center spread, where the text reads Hum / Simmer / Bellow / Drone / Splash / Scratch as a number of animals spring into action above and below the water, some chasing their prey, others trying to elude their predators. This sets the tone for the second half of the book, in which many swamp animals catch and eat smaller critters. The endnote, which briefly comments on swamps and food chains, is memorably illustrated with a line of animals (alligator, turtle, frog, bass, crayfish, dragonfly, mosquito) with gaping jaws, each intent on eating the smaller one beside it. A similar line of animals spirals across the endpapers. Created with ink, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, and pastel, Meisel's lively illustrations capture swamp life without sentimentalizing or sensationalizing it. A colorful addition to classroom units on swamp ecology, food chains, and predation.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)