The Brook Book [Hardcover]

Jim Arnosky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 14, 2008 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

A babbling brook may seem peaceful on the surface, but look closer?it?s full of life! A crayfish pokes among the pebbles for food. A salamander sits on a smooth stone. Over there, a small catfish darts around in a slow pool. Acclaimed naturalist and author Jim Arnosky offers this informative guide?a field trip in book form?to brooks and streams that is perfectly pitched to young explorers and scientists. Through simple, respectful language and lively, engaging illustrations, readers are encouraged to touch and discover?instilling a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...this new offering from the ever-energetic Arnosky [is] full of wonders for children to discover. -- Kirkus, starred review

About the Author

Jim Arnosky is well known for his "keen observations of nature and his fine artistic talent" (School Library Journal). He has written and illustrated many children’s books. Otters Under Water was called "first-rate natural history for the youngest" by Kirkus Reviews (pointer review), and School Library Journal wrote that in it "each of his creatures exhibits a distinct individualism." Every Autumn Comes the Bear was called "vibrant, translucent and strikingly composed" by Publishers Weekly, and Booklist wrote "Arnosky's radiant pictures have a dazzling sense of pattern and composition . . . and a sense of mystery. A beautiful, imaginative, and informative approach." School Library Journal said of Rabbits & Raindrops, “Perfect for story-time or lap-time reading, this book will give children a feeling of security and contentment.”

Jim Arnosky and his family live on a twenty-acre farm in Vermont.

copyright © 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (February 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525477160
• ISBN-13: 978-0525477167
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,717,171 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Informational Text, July 23, 2010

By 

Amy D. - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Brook Book (Hardcover)

The Brook Book: Exploring the Smallest Streams by Jack Arnosky is an excellent example of quality informational texts for children. The book is engaging and informative and would keep a child's attention as it is being explored. The cover is more engaging in person than it is in photographs on websites. The topic of the book may not be one that initially grabs a child's attention, but brooks and streams are common for many children and once the book is explored it would keep the attention of children as it builds on their prior knowledge and background experiences. There are some basic informational text structures including titles, headings and captions that help organize information, yet it does not have a table of contents, index or glossary. The headings lead to a clear division of information and the illustrations add to the content. They are clear and engaging without distracting the reader from the information contained on the pages.

This book would be an excellent resource when discussing habitats, the environment and documenting the physical world. The examples of how to sketch flowers, collect insect specimens and identify birds, animals and their tracks make this book a great introduction to these topics, a helpful field guide when taking trips to local brooks and a thorough resource for documenting information upon returning.