About this item
The backyard exploration begun with In the Tall, Tall Grass continues here with Fleming's latest picture book peek at nature. The animals and insects that live on and in a freshwater pond wiggle; waddle; hover; swoop and swirl through the stunning spreads and through the seasons of the year. Fish, frogs and fowl cavort first in the vibrant greens and yellows of spring and summer; then on through fiery autumn reds and oranges and; finally; amid barren browns and icy whites as winter sets in. Young children are introduced to the basic habits of common North American wildlife and to the characteristics of the changing seasons even as they are treated to an array of zippy verbs. Fleming's color saturated handmade paper technique makes for dramatic tapestries that feature both sharp contrast and subtle shading.
About the Author
Denise Fleming won a Caldecott Honor for In the Small, Small Pond. She is the author and illustrator of over twenty picture books, including Buster, Lunch, Alphabet Under Construction, and Time to Sleep. Her newest books are Maggie and Michael Get Dressed and 5 Little Ducks - check out the book trailers! Discover related activities for all of her books at www.denisefleming.com.***INTERVIEW***Q: Where did you grow up? A: I grew up in Toledo,Ohio, where I live still. I am a midwestern girl. Q: What is your earliest memory of writing/drawing? A: It seems like I was always writing and drawing. I wanted to share my ideas from the beginning. A bit bossy am I. Q: What inspired you to write/illustrate your first book? A: I started collecting picture books in art school. I was crazy about the whole picture book format. I realized, as I was sharing books with my daughter, that making books is what I needed to do. Q: What are your hobbies and interests besides reading and books? A: I work in clay, create art from tin cans, and make art dolls. Right now I am working on combining all three media. I also dye and paint fabric for the dolls.Planting flowers and painting the outside of my house and studio is what I am busy doing right now. Q: What one or two words of advice would you give for young authors/illustrators? A: Experiment with different styles and media. *From Macmillan's Denise Fleming page.
