Look and Listen: Who’s in the Garden, Meadow, Brook? by Dianne White, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford. Margaret Ferguson Books, 2022. 9780823443468
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
Genre: Nature fiction
What did you like about the book? This lovely interactive book makes exploring the garden, meadow or brook feel like a search for nature’s treasures. A young white boy and his dog leave their charming cottage and take a walk through the resplendent countryside. Rhyming couplets ask readers to complete an easy rhyme: “Who’s that buzzing? Listen. See./A fuzzy, YELLOW busy… / BEE.” The beautiful mixed media art, in luminescent colors, shows the creature hiding that will be revealed in the next spread. The insects, birds, animals and fish shown are profiled at the end for readers interested in additional facts. A perfect book for young children and their caregivers to read as the weather gets warmer.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Not a criticism, but the animals are all profiled, and I think readers may be interested in identifying the flowers shown in the garden as well.
To whom would you recommend this book? Perfect for nature themed story time, for ages 3-5.
Who should buy this book? Daycare centers and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Near the top
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: November 18, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
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