Berkes, Marianne.  MARSH MORNING.  Illus by Robert Noreika.  Brookfield, CT:
    Millbrook, 2003.  0-7613-2568-9; lib.bdg., $22.90   0-7613-1936-0; hb., $14.95
    2001-008464     K-Gr. 3   598.1

    The watercolor birds are an integral part of the rhyming text that offers information about 15 birds that live in wetlands.  Berkes uses musical imagery and a glossary of 17 musical terms that include aria, bebop, chorus, melody, and ragtime.  There is a double-page spread called “The Cast” that provides a picture; size in inches, feet, or centimeters; as well as physical and voice descriptions.   The bibliography includes six books of general or marsh specific bird books.  This is a handsome bird book that will be read for information and pleasure as was the author’s MARSH MUSIC  (Millbrook, 2000).
    Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, Michigan
    32 years of experience as a school library/media specialist 

Berkes, Marianne. MARSH MUSIC.  Illus by Robert Noreika.  Brookfield, CT:
    Millbrook, 2000.  unp.  0-7613-1325-7; hb., $15.95  0-7613-1850-X; lib.bdg., $21.90.
    99-051641   Gr. K-3    E

    Frogs and toads found in the pond behind the author's Florida home provide the inspiration for this rhyme.  The pond at night becomes a concert and a glossary at the end explains 14 musical terms.  The watercolor illustrations within the story show 11 frogs and toads that are labeled within the story but are described in greater detail at the end of the book.  Other creatures like rabbits, raccoons, dragonflies, and owls are pictured but not identified.  This combination of music and science in a picture book can be used effectively by teachers.
    Mary Ann Paulin; Director; Superiorland Preview Center
    32 years of experience as a school library/media specialist

Heinz, Brian J.  BUTTERNUT HOLLOW POND.  Illus by Bob Marstall.  Brookfield,
    CT:  Millbrook, 2000.  32p.  0-7613-0268-9; lib.bdg., $22.90  Gr. 2-6    591.763

    From daybreak to midnight, readers learn about life in a typical pond.  Flora and fauna introduced are:  water striders, whirligig beetles, bluegills, duckweed, mosquitoes, gnats, mayflies, tree swallows, mallard ducks, snapping turtles, algae, pumpkinseed, herons, wildflowers, bees, woodchuck, cottontail, cottontail, blackberry thickets, marsh hawk, white-tail deer, frogs, moths, water snakes, pickerel frogs, largemouth bass, toads, crickets, katydids, brown bats, crayfish, raccoons, opossums blacksnakes, voles, moles, foxes, screech owls, and kingfishers.  Except for a brown bat that looks more like a vampire bat, the illustrations are realistic and portray life at Butternut Hollow Pond.  This is an easy way to learn about pond ecology.
    Mary Ann Paulin; Director; Superiorland Preview Center
    32 years of experience as a school library/media specialist

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