The Brook Book (edition 2008)

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Review: This book is all about exploring brooks and streams. It talks about safety when exploring streams and what you should do when exploring. It also talks about insects, flowers, fish, salamanders, birds, and animal tracks that might be found in or around a brook or stream.

Genre: Informational
Genre Critique: This book is very broad and gives a little information about a lot of things. The information that it talks about is all true facts though. It talks about many different animals and plant species that can be found by brooks and streams. It gives a few details to describe each animal as well. I wondered a bit about where this book was being written for. Since it only listed a few species that could be found, this book would not be relevant to someone who is reading it where none of those flowers can be found. ( )

I'm rummaging through our nonfiction section with a rather vague idea of weeding at some point (this is a complicated procedure, involving not only the simple removal and replacement of outdated materials but also complex statistical and political maneuverings) and thought I'd bring out some old favorites to look at again.

Jim Arnosky, the master of nature books for children, has some lovely guides to outdoor experiences. In our geographical area, brooks are fairly common, as are lakes, wetlands, etc. so this one is most useful. The book moves chronologically, starting with an explanation of the formation of brooks, then moving on to equipment and safety.

The brook explorers are ready to get started and Arnosky walks you through the brook and its environment. He covers the stones, insects and larvae, wildflowers, collecting small creatures, fish, birds, and animal tracks. A final author's note gives additional suggestions to teachers and parents and further information is included in a bibliography.

Arnosky's lush oil paintings are softened into pastel greens and yellows in this user-friendly title. There are drawings of the various creatures, illustrations of equipment, and cheery cartoons of brook explorers discovering the wonders of the outdoors.

Verdict: Recommended for any school or library in the vicinity of a brook - and if you don't have one, this book will encourage you to find out about creating your own miniature wetland or brook to investigate! This title has held up well since 2008 and won't become outdated any time soon.

ISBN: 9780525477167; Published

This book had a lot of random facts along the way and talked about everything from rocks to fish to bugs and other animals. Great book for learning or teacher! ( )

Describes where brooks come from and how the water makes streames. Explains the differenece between low and high water levels. Introduces students to different types of insects, mayflies, caddies flies and also differnt types of wildflowers that growss alongs streams. Finally the book descirbes the different types of birds and wildlife by identifying there tracks. ( )