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Fifteen poems explore close encounters with animals … and choosing to respond tenderly.
Whether it’s helping a hummingbird escape, respecting a bear’s habitat, admiring a heron’s beauty, or giving way to ants at a picnic, the human response in these poems is to do no harm, and to help whenever possible. The poems follow a seasonal progression, ending with a final poem that imagines where each animal might be on a winter night.
Inspired by personal experiences, Nicholas Ruddock’s poems are simply written, with a pleasing rhyme, and fun to read aloud. In the spirit of the text, Ashley Barron’s cut-paper collage illustrations portray each creature with respectful realism, in environments ranging from rural and wild to urban and suburban.
A delightful dip into poetry for young animal lovers!
Key Text Features
illustrations
poems
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4
Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6
With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
“Quaint poems, charmingly illustrated.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A solid purchase for collections with animal-loving or poetry-loving readers.” — School Library Journal
“Both children and adults will delight in author Nicholas Ruddock's rhythmic cadence and [illustrator Ashley] Barron's exquisite and lifelike illustrations ... This collection of joyful, optimistic poems, so delicately and gaily illustrated, gently offers ways to be observant and kind in nature.” — Canadian Children's Book News
“This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake, a visual treat, carries a powerful message of harmony.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“A beautiful tribute to nature ... This is a picture book that could be pored over many times.” — Winnipeg Free Press
“An animated volume from a versatile author.” — The Telegram