Children's Picture Books Reviews and Exploration Ideas

Who Lives in an Alligator Hole? by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell is a fantastic addition to the Let's Read and Find Out Science Series 1 and 2. Mother and daughter wonder team, the Rockwells deliver an informative, yet gently illustrated, lesson about environmental conservation and the importance of each and every creature to an ecosystem. Using the Alligator, Florida's most famous reptile, as their example the Rockwells explain the concept of a keystone species which vitally impacts various other animals, both predators and prey, in addition to the health and natural balance of wetland habitats. Helping readers understand the intentional efforts made to bring the Alligator back from near-extinction, children are given hope and empowered to realize that they can individually make a difference in helping the planet and all her inhabitants. Who Lives in an Alligator Hole? offers non-threatening, timely, relevant information about environmental awareness that educates and inspires.

Discussion and Exploration Ideas

• Share a nature walk with your child and discovery what kinds of ecosystems are in your area. What wildlife inhabits these ecosystems? Consider creating a field journal and recording the behavior of the wildlife you observe.

• Help your child explore and understand the concept of a "keystone" species. Work together to discover if there is a keystone species present in the ecosystem you found. Record this species in your field journal and consider researching it including any interesting information your child enjoys.

• Discuss with your child endangered animals in your area. Have your child choose one animal and research its habitat, behavior, etc. Why is this animal endangered? Can the circumstances causing the problem be reversed or ammended?

• Discuss with your child ideas of how to help the well-being of your chosen endangered animal through awareness and education. Consider making flyers to distribute locally or getting involved in a conservation organization already formed.

• Visit Lizzy Rockwell's web site and learn about how she does her illustrations as well as how she follows the family tradition in children's picture books, http://www.lizzyrockwell.com/.

Where Butterflies Grow by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Lynne Cherry is a lushly detailed caterpillar-view of becoming a butterfly. Dwelling in a meadow surrounded by gorgeous wildflowers and small creatures, author Joanne Ryder spins a story in second person narrative so that the reader feels and understands the metamorphosis of a Black Swallowtail caterpillar - they are the caterpillar. Slowly and peacefully, capturing the quiet stillness of a garden, Ryder guides the reader through the phenomenal changes the caterpillar experiences paying fine attention to clarity and carefully choosing words that make the reader feel they are a miniature meadow resident. Lynne Cherry's illustrations are breathtaking and invite children to peek around every corner and look under each leaf. Where Butterflies Grow is a rare, beautiful and educational journey.

Discussion and Exploration Ideas

• Celebrate Earth Day - April 22 - by planting a butterfly garden with your child. Creating a butterfly garden can be as simple or ornate as your desires and offers continual enrichment and joy. Begin by researching butterflies found in your area and their host and nectar preferences. Next, find a sunny spot in your yard and have fun planting! Enjoy Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert for inspiration.

• Monarch butterflies need our help. Monarchs migrate thousands of miles each Autumn heading toward Mexico and California. Milkweed habitats which they require for sustenance and hosting are being destroyed by development. If you have a butterfly garden or are interested in learning how to create a Monarch habitat, visit the Monarch Watch Program to discover how you can assist these flying wonders on their annual migration.

• Take a walk through your yard and discover the insects present. Are they beneficial to the garden by offering pest management? Learn about their behavior and food choices.

• Enjoy learning about xeriscaping with your child: planting drought tolerant plants in the right places to help minimize water waste and nullify the need for fertilizer. Can you update or amend your yard to embrace xeriscaping principles? Your self-education efforts will substantially benefit your local ecology and the planet.

• Consider creating a backyard wildlife habitat or having your own certified. The process is a joy and children love to explore their backyards knowing that there may be wondrous creatures about. You can learn more information from the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program. You can also find local backyard wildlife habitat programs through your county extension office.