Around One Log

K-Gr 2—An old and majestic oak falls deep in the woods. This picture book seeks to answer the question of whether the tree is now dead or still alive by introducing the many creatures who inhabit its remains. The simple verse, which become a repetitive cumulative rhyme, acquaints readers with termites, garter snakes, red velvet mites, daddy longlegs, chipmunks, and roly-polies. Eventually a class comes by, and a child asks, "Is this log alive?" Readers are left to draw their own conclusions. The lavish, full-page watercolor illustrations done in muted shades of brown and yellow are naturalistic, but lack visual excitement. Supplementary pages encourage further exploration through simple research and art projects. This title might be useful for simple science or nature lessons by offering information on an easily found habitat.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY