Wild and Swampy [Library Binding]

Jim Arnosky (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Are you ready to go to places that are dark and strange? Eager to see animals, including alligators, snakes, and unusual birds?

Jim Arnosky has created a picture-book excursion that gives you a feeling for the mystery of swamps. He also gives you tips about how to spot wildlife, and information about their habits.

Based on his acute powers of observation, the paintings, perhaps the best of his long career, are rich with mood. Ever searching for new ways to bring readers along on his adventures, Jim Arnosky has included wonderful pen-and-ink sketches that give additional visual information and feeling for the area.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 2001 -- selected by Natn'l Science Tchrs Assoc. & Child. Bk Cncl.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-An up-close look at swamps and the birds and animals that live in them. Through full-page acrylic paintings, Arnosky depicts raccoons, alligators, and egrets, all of which he has seen in his own expeditions. The artwork is accompanied by text either on the facing page or set in boxes within the illustrations. Small pen-and-ink drawings reminiscent of those found in sketchbooks contribute to the book's personal tone. The narrative consists of the author's memories and reflections along with selective bits of information about the creatures shown in the paintings. The rather poetic text may be somewhat challenging for newly independent readers. However, the story is a simple one, and the descriptive language combines nicely with the attractive pictures, making this a wonderful read-aloud. With a guide as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as Arnosky, youngsters are sure to come away from this tour with a new appreciation for swamps and a desire to do some exploring on their own.
Arwen Marshall, formerly at New York Public Library
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. Only Jim Arnosky and his talented pen can make you feel like you've truly missed one of nature's greatest wonders if you've never visited a swamp. Readers will want to pack up and head south after discovering the flora and fauna to be found living among the cypress, spruce, cedar, and mangrove trees. Muted acrylic paintings and pen-and-ink sketches give us a glimpse of a cottonmouth slithering on the ground, a toothy alligator among the hanging Spanish moss, and a close-up look at a steely-eyed pelican making us wonder who's observing whom. Whether it's snakes, raccoons, turtles, or crabs, Arnosky inspires respect and reverence for nature's wildlife. This is a rich, moody journal that works as both a picture book and nature guide. Denia Hester
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 6 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688171206
• ISBN-13: 978-0688171209
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,413,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Come along with Arnosky and his wife on a personal hike!, March 24, 2002

By 

Heather Idoni (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wild and Swampy (Hardcover)

Share in this Southern swamp excursion with Jim and Deanna Arnosky..... and you will feel as if you are really there with them, invited along as a personal friend! Jim's paintings take you deep into the mysteries of the swamps, with tips about how to spot wildlife & information about their habitats. The author is an acclaimed artist and naturalist... and sketching lessons are even included! Wild and Swampy is an example of fine living literature which will lead the whole family into the exploration of natural science, observation & art. Arnosky's books are highly recommended!