Over and Under the Pond: (Environment and Ecology Books for Kids, Nature Books, Children's Oceanography Books, Animal Books for Kids) Hardcover – Picture Book, March 7, 2017

This book is first-rate: the illustrations are gorgeous, and the text is a delight for kids who love language and love to learn specific names for all the things in the world around them. It's a kid protagonist's delightfully slow-paced observation of the details of the world around him. Since there isn't much of a plot, I was worried that my daughter would lose interest in the book, but we've had the book for two years (started reading it to her when she turned 3) and she loved it when she got it and still enjoys coming back to it from time to time. It's not a bedtime book per se, but the book's pacing makes it perfect for winding down.

"Over the pond we slide, splashing through lily pads,sweeping through reeds. The water's a mirror, reflecting the sky. Sunshineand clouds - then a shadow below. 'What's down there?' I ask. 'Under thepond?' Mom says. Under the pond is a whole hidden world of minnows andcrayfish, turtles and bullfrogs. We're paddling over them now.' " And sobegins the third in Messners' Over and Under series. The rhythms andpattern of the opening pages echo her other two Over and Under books,creating a familiarity before the book is barely begun. Once again, Messneruses alteration, rhythm, and rhyme, in addition to descriptive metaphor ("minnows dart though wavingforests of grass") to describe the pond eco-system, both above and below thewaterline. These books are perfect bits of picture book naturewriting: engaging, interactive, educational, fun, and beautifully writtenin their simplicity. Beautiful illustrations enhance the story, adding a whole other dimension to the work.

good book

The media could not be loaded. In 'Over and Under the Pond' we follow a little boy and his mom as they row over the pond. They talk about life underwater and explore the water and it's unique ecosystem.This is an awesome children's book that teaches about the environment and about life in the pond. It is very well written and contains extensive vocabulary: It mentions different animals such as ospreys, minks and catfish. The illustrations are also beautiful, the color palette is very inviting.Things that caught my eye:* Would recommend for ages 3-8* Gorgeous illustrations* The story line promotes care for nature and the environment* Diversity: The protagonist and his mom are black* Small encyclopedia in the back containing information on the animals mentioned in the book

Actual rating 4.75.This was a good book, but I don't remember much of the story. I'm still just so blown away by the illustrations. They were wonderful. I could pull them out and frame them and hang them on a wall.Still, I got the gist of the story. It's all about observation and learning about the nature around us. It really is cute. I guess for me, I needed more to happen to pull me away from the illustration. I found the book lovely the first time I read it and calming the second time. This is something I will come back to after a stressful day.I've even shared some of it with the children I work with.What a lovely book. I must read more in the series.Recommended to nature lovers and curious kids.

This book is an absolute gem. Buy the "Over and Under the rainforest" right now. I started with the rainforest book for my son and he fell in love right away, sames goes for the the pond. Such beautiful illustrations & the words flow lovely. At the end of each book you'll find 5 pages of info about each animal. Love that. My son will look at the back and try to find the animals throughout the book. Great gift for ages 2.5 and up :)

I loved the Over and Under the Snow book by the same author, so I picked this book up as well. This book follows a mother and son as they canoe on the pond. They are African American and I was very pleased to see the diversity. The book shows what is going on above and under the water of the pond including things that I never knew about before. The story was not overly exciting, but the images really help bring the text to life and you can find and name the animals on every page. I am glad to own it.

The book raises complex questions with my older granddaughter, while the younger just wants to know which animals are which. It's a beautiful book.