In the beginning of the book Joyce has included a table of contents that have each animal from the pond that is throughly mapped out in their own unique section. In the text the author has many great poems that offer ample amounts of information to the reader. Nature is truly deeply expressed through Joyce’s kin observations and marvelous illustrations. Joyce Sidman’s strongest element of in Song of the Water Boatman is certainly the kin observations that Joyce has made on one simple pond. Aside of each poem there is also notes on the side of the page for parents and teachers to enjoy.

Every stroke is easily drawn to make the pictures appear three dimensional. These poems go along fabulously with strikingly vivd illustrations that are yet so soft and so quite. Each poem involves some type of emotion, some of love, kindness, friendship, and even humorous.There are eleven poems that focus primarily on a simple yet beautiful pong. All types of emotions are present in this poetry book. The words are complex and the sentences are not so simple. This books vocabulary and language is difficult for young children in grades younger than third grade. Review by Sasha Ishak: Song of the Water Boatman is a fun and exciting book for young children. School Library Journal, Starred Sidman and Prange go beyond accuracy and clarity with a humor born of skillful observation and light and color worthy of the Impressionists, they capture the essence of this environment in all its fascinating particularity.Hornbook or Kirkus Review rating: Hornbook review of 2. Publishers Weekly, Starred An organic union of poetry and science, this book encourages readers to ponder the minutiae and magnificent life of the natural world. Booklist, ALA, Starred Review With its unique combination of fact and fancy, this book is bound to delight pint-sized scientists and environmentalists -and language lovers, too. Review Quotes In this strikingly illustrated collection, science facts combine with vivid poems about pond life through the seasons. Here is a celebration of their beauty and their mystery. A unique blend of whimsy, science, poetry, and hand-colored woodcuts, this Caldecott Honor-winning collection invites us to take a closer look at our hidden ponds and wetlands. Their denizens-from peepers to painted turtles, duckweed to diving beetles-lead secret and fascinating lives. Though seemingly quiet, ponds are teeming with life and full of surprises. Book Synopsis A 2006 Caldecott Honor Book From springs first thaw to autumns chill, the world of the pond is a dramatic place. About the Book With a unique blend of whimsy, science, poetry, and hand-colored woodcuts, this collection invites readers to take a closer look at the worlds hidden ponds and wetlands, and at the same time celebrate their beauty and mystery.

Song of the water boatman