In the Small, Small Pond facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Denise Fleming |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's Literature |
| Publisher | Square Fish |
|
Publication date
|
15 September 1993 |
| Media type | Picture book (hardcover) |
| Pages | 32 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-8050-2264-3 |
In the Small, Small Pond is a beautiful picture book from 1993. It was written and illustrated by Denise Fleming. This book was recognized as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1994. It is also a follow-up to Fleming's earlier book, In the Tall, Tall Grass (1991).
Contents
Discovering In the Small, Small Pond
In the Small, Small Pond invites young readers into a hidden world. It shows the busy life of a pond through the seasons. The book uses simple, rhyming words and colorful pictures. It helps kids learn about nature and the animals that live in and around water.
What is This Book About?
The story in In the Small, Small Pond follows different animals. You will see them as they go about their day. The book starts in spring and moves through summer. It shows creatures like frogs, ducks, and dragonflies. They are all busy living in their pond home.
The text is very simple and uses action words. For example, "Wiggle, jiggle, tadpoles wriggle." This makes the book fun to read aloud. It also helps children imagine the movements of the animals.
Meet the Author and Illustrator
Denise Fleming is both the writer and the artist for this book. She is known for her unique way of making illustrations. Denise Fleming uses a special paper-making process. She dyes cotton pulp and then presses it through stencils. This creates rich, textured images.
Her artwork brings the pond to life. The colors are bright and vibrant. They capture the energy of the animals and their surroundings. Fleming's style makes her books stand out. It helps readers feel connected to the natural world she portrays.
Exploring Pond Life in the Book
This book is a great way to learn about different animals. It shows how they live in a pond habitat. Each page introduces a new creature or activity. It helps readers understand the ecosystem of a pond.
Animals You'll Find
In the book, you will meet many pond animals. You will see frogs, ducks, and turtles. There are also dragonflies, muskrats, and even a heron. Each animal is shown doing something typical for its species. For example, frogs "leap, sweep." Ducks "dip, slip."
The book teaches about animal behaviors in a gentle way. It shows how different creatures interact with their environment. It also highlights the cycle of life in a pond.
The Art of Denise Fleming
Denise Fleming's illustrations are a key part of the book's appeal. Her method of making paper pulp art is very special. She creates her pictures by hand. This gives them a unique texture and depth.
The colors she uses are very important. They reflect the changing light and moods of the pond. From the bright greens of spring to the warm yellows of summer. Her art helps tell the story without needing many words. It makes the book a visual treat for all ages.
Why This Book is Special
In the Small, Small Pond is more than just a story. It is an educational tool. It encourages curiosity about nature. It also celebrates the beauty of the world around us.
The Caldecott Honor
The Caldecott Honor is a very important award. It is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. In the Small, Small Pond received this honor in 1994. This shows how highly regarded Denise Fleming's artwork is.
Winning this award means the book's illustrations are considered outstanding. They are recognized for their artistic quality and how well they tell the story. This honor helps more people discover and enjoy the book.
Learning from Nature
This book is perfect for learning about nature. It shows how diverse and busy a pond can be. It teaches children to observe the small details in their environment. The simple text and engaging pictures make it easy to understand.
In the Small, Small Pond encourages readers to explore. It makes them want to learn more about animals and their homes. It is a wonderful introduction to ecology for young minds.
