This is a good informational book about how to treat the wildlife and the nature around brooks. It gives information on the proper attire that children should wear and good ways to look closer at flowers without picking them.
This book is a friendly informational non fiction book that would be good for smaller children who want to explore the brooks.
I would suggest using this book for 1st grade through 5th grade. It could be used for younger children however it may need to be summarized and not read word for word in order to keep their attention.

I would use this informational book in primary grades due to its simple text and child appropriate illustrations. This book discusses all aspects of a stream including the life forms found within it, the geography of streams, the different rocks and soil found in streams, and the even safety in exploring brooks and streams. It would be great to introduce this book to children, and then explore a nearby creek or brook.

Review: This book is all about exploring brooks and streams. It talks about safety when exploring streams and what you should do when exploring. It also talks about insects, flowers, fish, salamanders, birds, and animal tracks that might be found in or around a brook or stream.

Genre: Informational
Genre Critique: This book is very broad and gives a little information about a lot of things. The information that it talks about is all true facts though. It talks about many different animals and plant species that can be found by brooks and streams. It gives a few details to describe each animal as well. I wondered a bit about where this book was being written for. Since it only listed a few species that could be found, this book would not be relevant to someone who is reading it where none of those flowers can be found. ( )

I'm rummaging through our nonfiction section with a rather vague idea of weeding at some point (this is a complicated procedure, involving not only the simple removal and replacement of outdated materials but also complex statistical and political maneuverings) and thought I'd bring out some old favorites to look at again.

Jim Arnosky, the master of nature books for children, has some lovely guides to outdoor experiences. In our geographical area, brooks are fairly common, as are lakes, wetlands, etc. so this one is most useful. The book moves chronologically, starting with an explanation of the formation of brooks, then moving on to equipment and safety.

The brook explorers are ready to get started and Arnosky walks you through the brook and its environment. He covers the stones, insects and larvae, wildflowers, collecting small creatures, fish, birds, and animal tracks. A final author's note gives additional suggestions to teachers and parents and further information is included in a bibliography.

Arnosky's lush oil paintings are softened into pastel greens and yellows in this user-friendly title. There are drawings of the various creatures, illustrations of equipment, and cheery cartoons of brook explorers discovering the wonders of the outdoors.

Verdict: Recommended for any school or library in the vicinity of a brook - and if you don't have one, this book will encourage you to find out about creating your own miniature wetland or brook to investigate! This title has held up well since 2008 and won't become outdated any time soon.

ISBN: 9780525477167; Published

This book had a lot of random facts along the way and talked about everything from rocks to fish to bugs and other animals. Great book for learning or teacher! ( )