Under the Wild Western Sky [Library Binding]

Jim Arnosky (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Saddle up!

Fresh from an extensive trip out West, naturalist Jim Arnosky returned to his drawing table bursting with scenes to paint and information to share. He evokes the excitement of seeing buffalo, horses, sandhill cranes, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, and other amazing animals in their natural settings in some of the best paintings he's ever done.

Called "an inspired teacher" by Roger Tory Peterson, Jim Arnosky conveys information and easy, useful outdoor tips in a friendly manner that encourages children and adults alike to learn about nature. With an engagingly personal narrative and art that records places and animals he has seen, Jim Arnosky shows just how enjoyable wildlife watching can be.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 5-Based on Arnosky's personal observations, this fascinating sampler describes birds, snakes and lizards, long-horned cattle, buffalo, and common varieties of cactus of the American West. The author notes that this immense landscape requires a different way of looking to really see; he explains what he means so well that readers can actually follow the artist's eye on this journey. A combination of luminous acrylic paintings and detailed, soft pencil drawings conveys both the scale of the land and the more intricate details of nature. The illustrations are labeled throughout, with additional information presented in sidebars. The large picture-book format and clear, straightforward prose make this a good title for group sharing, but also reward careful individual readers. This enjoyable scrapbook is a beautiful introduction for young readers.-Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. In an engaging wildlife portrait that has the flavor of a journal, naturalist and illustrator Arnosky takes children on a tour of some favorite western places. Ranging from black-and-white pencil sketches to full-color acrylic paintings, beautiful illustrations, well-labeled and exquisitely detailed, picture diverse wildlife and settings. The first-person narrative, which is both informational and entertaining, incorporates facts and anecdotes gathered during Arnosky's travels with his photographer wife, Deanna, including encounters with desert snakes, longhorns, and buffalo, and time spent with modern-day cowboys. It also gives readers entree into Arnosky's artistic inspiration, whether derived from the intricacies of a saddle or the timeless allure of the western landscape and big sky. Children will enjoy some stunning art, including a dramatic portrait of a buffalo in motion and the closing illustration of silhouetted figures on horseback against an orange-hued sunset. An affectionate, reader-friendly account. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688171222
• ISBN-13: 978-0688171223
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,617,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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