When snow falls, we love to sled and skate and have snowball fights. But at the end of the day, we go home where it is warm and safe. What about all those animals out there in the forests and fields? What do they do when snow blankets the ground? Journey from your neighborhood to the woods, where ladybugs crowd together in a gap in the stone wall and a chipmunk snoozes in his burrow. Take a side trip to the pond, where a carp rests quietly on the bottom and a green frog nestles in the mud, scarcely breathing. And then as winter passes and the sun's rays grow stronger, join all the animals as they get ready for spring. Award-winning science writer Melissa Stewart offers a lyrical tour of a variety of habitats, providing young readers with vivid glimpses of animals as they live out the winter beneath the snow and ice. Constance R. Bergum's glowing watercolors perfectly capture the wonder and magic that can happen under the snow.
Under the snow! Have you ever wondered where all the critters go when there is snow on the ground and trees? Well this book has some wonderful illustrations and explanations as to where some of those critters go under a blanket of snow for the winter.
For instance the author says:
"Under the snow lies a hidden world."
A wood frog nestles in scattered leaves on the forest floor. It can freeze solid and still survive.
Buried in the mud, a frog and a turtle wait out the winter. They never move, and they barely breathe.
Below the ground a chipmunk snoozes for a few days at a time. Between naps it snacks on the nuts and seeds stored in its burrow.
And there are many more amazing things under the snow and ice for you to see and read about in this amazing book.
The illustrations are full page color illustrations and with the author's writing it makes for a fun way to learn about the winter habitats of some interesting critters.
This book would be a great book for your child. It would also be nice for the classroom or school library. Now I am a grandmother and I have a special bookshelf for my grandkids when they come to visit. So I will definitely add UNDER THE SNOW to Mamaw's Bookshelf.
I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
JoannieDuris
Posted December 13, 2010
A fascinating look at the unusual ways different animals survive the winter. Find out who stays active, who barely moves, and who survives by freezing solid! That's not just snow under your boots. Soothing, lyrical text makes this a perfect bedtime story. This book will leave young explorers wondering just what else is hidden under the snow. For more winter fun, visit the author's website.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.imarty
Posted November 26, 2010
Have this gem handy for the inevitable snow day and prepare to be enchanted!
Melissa Stewart has written Under The Snow with all the soft sibilants of snow falling. "Below the ground, a chipmunk snoozes for a few days at a time. Between naps it snacks on the nuts and seeds stored in its burrow." It is a feast for the ears as well as the eyes. Young readers hearing this read aloud or reading it themselves will come away so full of wonder that they will never look at snow the same way again. Art and text come full circle with a family exploring winter in the beginning as they trudge across an open field of fresh fallen snow and end in the same spot ushering in the next season. "...Begin to get ready for spring. And so do you."
The panels done in soft watercolors by Constance Rummel Bergum support and extend the quiet mood of this special picture book. Readers are invited to look at what is hidden under the snow in a field, below the ground, under the snow in a forest, inside a rotting log, under the snow in a pond, and under the snow in a wetland.
To extend the pleasure of this book parents and teachers can encourage children to create their own Under The Snow artwork by offering open ended supplies such as a simple lift the flaps of white paper, nature magazines to cut pictures out of, adhesives, and an assortment of mixed media drawing tools.
This book, in the hands of young scientists, will inspire more study of animal behavior. A great choice for winter reading.
Marty Lapointe-Malchik, MED
Educational Consultant, Teacher of the Deaf
JAJC
Posted November 24, 2010
Under the Snow newts dodge and dart, bluegills circle, chipmunks snooze, and salamanders wait. Melissa Stewart poetically explores the world of winter and introduces readers to the fascinating strategies animals employ to outwit the cold. Constance R. Bergum's wondrous watercolors provide a harmonious accompaniment. Enjoy this unique and beautiful book with some warm cocoa and a small child.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Kate_Narita
Posted October 28, 2010
A week ago, I woke up to a snow-covered yard. When, I opened the front door, my younger son pelted me with a snowball. By 9:00, the sun had melted the snow, but it still reminded me that soon everything will be UNDER THE SNOW. So if you have a curious child who wonders what's happening under the snow in a field, or under the snow in a forest, or under the snow on a pond, or under the snow in a wetland, be sure to check out this book. The lyrical text and lovely watercolors invite you to snuggle under a blanket and celebrate the natural wonders of the coldest season of the year.
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Overview
When snow falls, we love to sled and skate and have snowball fights. But at the end of the day, we go home where it is warm and safe. What about all those animals out there in the forests and fields? What do they do when snow blankets the ground? Journey from your neighborhood to the woods, where ladybugs crowd together in a gap in the stone wall and a chipmunk snoozes in his burrow. Take a side trip to the pond, where a carp rests quietly on the bottom and a green frog nestles in the mud, scarcely breathing. And...