Animal life is all around us. Kate Messnerdescribes the setting of various creatures around and in a pond in her book, Over and Under the Pond. Christopher Silas Neal illustrates the comparisons of life within a pond and the life that surrounds the pond. The beautiful language pulls you closer, transporting you to warm weather, sunshine, and adventure.

Kate has crafted the book as a compare/contrast nonfiction narrative. A boy and his mother row on the water, noticing their surroundings. Children often share facts as a list with little voice. Kate Messner demonstrates how metaphors lift the information into a more inviting , delightful read. Notice the vivid verbs:

“Whirligig beetles loop and twirl – skaters on a warm summer surface.”

Kate adds an Author’s Note in the back and shares the idea for the book came on a canoe trip she enjoyed. This personal account is important for kids. Often times, kids think authors have huge adventures, when they can learn from a nature walk or a boat ride in nature. Ideas are all around them.View this 1 minute book trailer as it highlights the many animals in this special ecosystem.

This text could be use from elementary to high school. With a poetic rhythm and repeating structure, challenge students to be descriptive when sharing facts about their animals. Kate Messner also adds five pages at the end of the book, sharing a paragraph about each creature mentioned in the narrative.

Savorings for reading and writing for Over and Under the Pond:

• ing verbs – splashing, sweeping

• metaphors – “water’s a mirror, reflecting the sky!”

• Sensory Description

• Beautiful Language

• Compare/ Contrast structure

• Environmental – ecosystem, wetlands

• Author’s Note – a glimpse into how a writer gathers ideas and then creates a book

• Additional Scientific Information in the back of the book

Kate’s paired text is called Over and Under the Snow.  Preview of the book (4.5 minutes) below as well.