The Pond Book

E. Jane Philipps is head of the Biology Library at Queen’s University
in Kingston.

Encased in a sturdy, clear plastic “tadpole tank,” this
well-illustrated, compact guide for young wetland explorers intrigues
from the outset. The Pond Book introduces readers to the fascinating
world of plants and animals, which teems in ponds, large and small.
Beginning with some cautionary notes about apparel (including rubber
boots and life jackets) adult supervision, and the care and handling of
plants and animals, the book describes the components of the complex
wetland ecosystem. The informative text balances the colloquial and the
scientific, framing easy-to-understand definitions and explanations in
the context of familiar events and phenomena.

As a budding naturalist’s activity guide, The Pond Book encourages
observation and investigation. Numerous projects throughout the book
require listening and looking, collecting and examining. The tadpole
tank (whose lid, dubbed the “pond wand,” serves as a strainer), dip
net, and magnifying glass provide the necessary equipment for most of
the projects. With its excellent drawings, accurately depicting plants,
insects, amphibians, and other denizens of the wetland environment, The
Pond Book can be used as a mini-field guide to identify more than 40
common organisms.

Unfortunately, some of the species included cannot be found
Canada-wide. Nonetheless, the combination of visual, textual, and
experiential information presented serves as a useful and stimulating
introduction to a most important natural community and will undoubtedly
inspire many readers to seek out more advanced and comprehensive
sources. Recommended.