The Brook Book: Exploring the Smallest Streams

Many of the things that young explorers can do when visiting a brook are highlighted in this engaging picture book guide from author/illustrator Jim Arnosky, who has created more than one hundred works of natural history for children during the course of his career. From the stones found in the bed of a brook to the insects and fish found in and around it, from the flowers growing nearby to the birds perched in brookside bushes and trees—there's plenty to see and lots to learn. An author's note at the rear explains how the book can be used by educators and parents to improve the experience of the children in their care, when visiting brooks, and a list of further reading is provided...

Published in 2008, The Brook Book: Exploring the show more Smallest Streams appears to be a follow-up to Arnosky's earlier 2004 Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore, also published by Dutton Children's Books, and is presented in the same format. Like that earlier book, it is intended to be informative, presenting some interesting facts about a brook and the creatures and objects to be found in and around its waters. That being said, this title is also meant to be a guide to activities that children can engage in, when visiting such an environment, with the author suggesting necessary supplies and steps to take, while also emphasizing awareness of safety issues. I did wonder about the geographic specificity of some of the information—would the brookside flowers be common everywhere, for instance, or just in the northeast, where Arnosky makes him home?—but leaving aside that issue, I would recommend this one to those who intend to visit a brook with children, as I think it can provide some useful hints on how to get the most out of such an experience. show less

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of weeding at some point (this is a complicated procedure, involving not only the simple removal and replacement of outdated materials but also complex statistical and political maneuverings) and thought I'd bring out some old favorites to look at again.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 show more 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 show less

This book does a great job of introducing facts as well as providing activities for interacting with the environment. The book reveals how brooks are formed and what flora and fauna are typically present and how to respectfully experience them. Mostly it encourages kids to explore brooks and make their own discoveries.

The brook Book is another excellent example of an information book. this book is filled with amazing illustrations, pictures, photographs. I felt that I had personally explored a brook/stream/creek without dealing with the pesky mosquitos this book was so great. It really is filled with tons of information about what one might find exploring in and near a brookthis book is a must for exploring brooks, streams, creeks it is filled with wonderful information. The illustrations are very detailed but the FUN factor is always high on each page. From MAYFLIES to sketching wildflowers through animal tracks this book has it all.

I would use this informational book in primary grades due to its simple text and child appropriate illustrations. This book discusses all aspects of a stream including the life forms found within it, the geography of streams, the different rocks and soil found in streams, and the even safety in exploring brooks and streams. It would be great to introduce this book to children, and then explore a nearby creek or brook.

I just love the sweet way this title celebrates the brook as an ideal place to explore and learn about a small part of the world around.

This is a good informational book about how to treat the wildlife and the nature around brooks. It gives information on the proper attire that children should wear and good ways to look closer at flowers without picking them.
This book is a friendly informational non fiction book that would be good for smaller children who want to explore the brooks.
I would suggest using this book for 1st grade through 5th grade. It could be used for younger children however it may need to be summarized and not read word for word in order to keep their attention.