Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems (Caldecott Honor Book, BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award)

Lovely book. It arrived so carefully-wrapped with the book corners well-protected. I appreciate such thoughtful handling.

I got this book for a variety of reasons, but it appealed to my 8 year old, specifically non-fiction reading, science loving son. It’s a book of poetry, which normally would not naturally interest him, but each poem has a little science/non-fiction blurb that sells him on the book. Beautiful illustrations, a great summertime/bedtime read. I specify summer/bedtime, b/c one of the poems is about peeper frogs that we hear at night.

Take it from one who grew up -- and still lives -- across the street from a pond, Joyce Sidman knows pond life! With the beautiful, strong first poem "Listen to Me" about the peeper frogs waking in the spring, SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN introduces readers to all aspects of pond life, from cattails to painted turtles to the food chain. In addition to poems written a variety of styles, Sidman also includes a paragraph of interesting facts about the subject. And it's all capped off with the Caldecott-honor-worthy woodcuts created by Beckie Prange. All in all, a wonderful read-aloud for kids grade 1-4 studying ponds, ecosystems, or poetry...or just for fun. "Listen to Me" joins my personal list of all-time favorite poems. 2006 Caldecott Honor Book.

I love this book! Each page spread has a poem about a different creature or aspect of a pond as well as a paragraph of facts about the same. It appeals to both my artsy and my factual children and teaches them new things. The illustrations are well done also, which is important to me in a children’s book.

This book contains well written and beatiful poetry that is also factual and accurate. These traits are not often found in the same book. I have been disappointed by factually accurate books with dull poetry and/or stiff writting styles. I have also been disappointed by good poetry that is factually wrong, misleading, or shallow. You should buy this book and share it with the children and adults in your life.

This is a beautiful book of poems about pond life and the animals and plants in them. The woodcuts that make up the illustrations are fantastic! Full of life and vibrancy with thick lines and beautiful colors! It also has informational facts about the plants and animals featured in each poem/illustration. A great book for children who love the outdoors or parents who might want to teach their children about nature in a fun way.

Since I had a baby this past summer, I have been looking for great books to read to her that are educational and just plain fun to read. She is now 5 months and I read her "The Song of the Water Boatman," and her eyes light up and she laughs and smiles. This is not only a whimsical little collection of poems about pond life, it is beautifully illustrated and informational on a pond's wild inhabitants.

I am currently training to be a watershed steward in my community. This book is going to be perfect to share with children and adults. I'm putting the remainder of Joyce Sidman's poetry books on my holiday wish list.

My son's two favourite things to learn about are nature and poetry and Joyce Sidman's books always combine them in such a fun way.

A wonderfully illustrated book with magical poems

As advertised