FICTION

The Water Critters

by George HELD
illus. by Joung Un Kim. 32p. (Neighbors). Filsinger & Company. 2015. Tr $25. ISBN 9780916754310. LC 2013946798.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—A collection of poems about creatures who live in or near the water. The highlighted "critters" include a dolphin, a harbor seal, a beaver, a snapping turtle, a manatee, bivalves, a polar bear, a sea otter, a sea horse, a tiger salamander, a shark, a minnow, and a whale. The verses celebrate and weave in facts about each animal. The vocabulary in each poem is suited for an older audience and is ideal for language/poetry writing conversations. For example, "Snapping Turtle" uses words such as hapless, carapace, scute, and plastron—terms not familiar to most kids. The beautiful, collage-style artwork captures the softness and movement of the water. Each naturalistic illustration is engaging and has a touch of whimsy.
VERDICT The picture book format is ideal for a young audience, but the language and concepts introduced need to be part of a broader conversation.
Reviewed by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Deschutes Public Library, Bend, OR , Feb 01, 2015

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