In a watery mirror
the rugged raccoon
admires his face
by the light of the moon:
the mysterious mask,
the whiskers beneath,
the sliver of cricket
still stuck in his teeth.

Take a lighthearted romp through four seasons in the forest with these whimsical poems. Marvel at the overachieving beaver, applaud the race-winning snail and its perfect trail of slime, or head off to be pampered at a squirrel spa.

Warning: Deborah Ruddell's quirky cast of animal characters and Joan Rankin's deliciously daffy pictures will cause giggles. The woods have never been so much fun!

About The Author

Deborah Ruddell

Deborah Ruddell is the author of the celebrated picture books Who Said Coo?, illustrated by Robin Luebs, and A Whiff of Pine, A Hint of Skunk and Today at the Bluebird Cafe, both illustrated by Joan Rankin. Before writing children’s books, she was an art teacher and a graphic designer. Deborah lives in Peoria, Illinois. Visit her at DeborahRuddell.com.

About The Illustrator

Joan Rankin

Joan Rankin has illustrated more than twenty-five books for children. She received the South African HAUM Dann Retief Prize for Children’s Book Illustration in 1986 and the Katrina Harris Award for Children’s Book Illustration in 1991. Books she has illustrated include A Frog in the Bog by Karma Wilson and Off to First Grade by Louise Borden. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Product Details

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (March 10, 2009)
Length: 40 pages
ISBN13: 9781416942115
Ages: 4 - 8

Raves and Reviews

"Twenty-three evocative poems about forest animals, beautifully illustrated. Literary variety serves this collection well, with many differenct lengths, rhyme schemes and moods...An excellent collection with broad age appeal." -- Kirkus, Starred Review

"The happy result is a lively and inviting collection that invites both examination of poetry and examination of habitat; the vivacious verses are suitable for reading aloud or alone, inside or outside..." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Starred Review

"Once again, the poems and artwork create whimsical scenarios that will amuse kids even as they subtly incorporate basic zoological facts...Both lighthearted and substantive, this is a good choice for cross-curricular sharing." -- Booklist