We are pleased to welcome Mary Helen Gensch as a monthly contributor. Mary Helen is an avid reader and passionate about finding craft moves in children’s books. For years she has chronicled books + craft moves on her blog, Book Savors. She also has a knack for finding videos and author websites to help know the story behind the book.

“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.
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.
Mary Helen Gensch is currently a Title I specialist at Pierceton Elementary School (Whitko School Corporation). She was one of the first instructional writing coaches when All-Write originally formed. Her love affair with picture books began by reading Wondrous Words by Katie Wood Ray. Katie nudges readers to go to the library and read, immersing themselves in the words. It is Mary Helen’s wish for you to let children catch your passion for reading. Join her in savoring some books as you read-like-a-writer. Find more at Mary Helen’s super-organized blog, Book Savors. Also, follow her on Instagram @BookSavors or Twitter @MHGBooks.
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