A Walk in the Woods (First Facts: Everyday Character Education)

Book by Arnold, Caroline

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Less successful than her nature books for middle graders, Arnold here writes down to young readers. She relates general tidbits on all aspects of life in the forest in a heavily illustrated book, resulting in a confusing picture. She often leads readers on an exploration, "Feel the moss growing on the log" and then elaborates, "Moss is a tiny plant found in cool, moist places." This approach could interest children, but after saying that the moss "feels like a soft cushion," Arnold changes the subject to mushrooms. Only a few lines are included on each topic, and the book covers trees and their uses, leaves, needles, animals, birds, and seasons. The watercolor illustrations are too busy to be effective; one two-page spread shows wildflowers, snakes, and insects. A more in-depth overview with less general information, such as David Schwartz' The Hidden Life of the Forest (Crown, 1988), serves a better purpose. --Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA
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