At the Pond - by David Elliott (Hardcover)

About the Book

Poems and illustrations celebrate a day at the pond.

Book Synopsis

A lyrical narration and breathtaking illustrations transport us to the world of a pond with all its sights, sounds, and pulsing life.

The red-winged blackbird spreads his tail
and sings his hello morning song;
he has sung it since the bright
and misty world began.

When the soft pink of the dawn sun starts peeking over the pond, a new day has begun for all the animals who live in it and around its watery edges. The friendly duck family, the mysterious water striders, and the busy beaver are a few of the many fascinating and familiar animals included in this glowing poetic tribute to the lively ecosystem of the pond. A companion to In the Sea, In the Wild, On the Farm, and In the Woods, At the Pond brings readers to the pond's sun-dappled shores, pairing David Elliott's witty and enchanting animal poems with Amy Schimler-Safford's luminous and evocative scenes of pond life. Back matter notes about the animals and plants will further captivate young nature lovers.

Review Quotes

Elliott invites readers into another poetic exploration of the natural world. . . With each page-turn, Elliott's sensory verse introduces a new resident of this habitat. . . Richly textured mixed-media illustrations present views of the pond and its inhabitants throughout the day. . . a celebration of observation, and readers will surely heed the beckoning call of that red-winged blackbird beyond the book's pages.

--The Horn Book

A lovely picture book about plants and animals native to pond ecosystems. . . . The mixed-media illustrations are vibrant and detailed and, like the poems, capture the interplay between the various entities that share the pond habitat. . . Perfect for reading out loud.
--Booklist

Elliott's appreciative introduction to animals at a pond invites observation and enjoyment. . . . Schimler-Safford's skillful collage conveys setting and animals with beauty, energy, and bits of humor.
--School Library Journal

Whimsical, energetic, impressionistic poems and luminous, layered illustrations bring the world of a pond to life and show how its inhabitants move, behave, and interact throughout the day. . . these are evocative, memorable, and gently humorous poems that artfully capture the atmosphere and details of the environment. . . these poems showcase the natural world in breathtaking detail.
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

David Elliott is the author of many books for young readers, including In the Woods, On the Farm, In the Wild, In the Sea, and In the Past, companion books to At the Pond. He is also the author of Baabwaa and Wooliam, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. David Elliott lives in New Hampshire.

Amy Schimler-Safford is the illustrator of several books for children, including Inky's Amazing Escape by Sy Montgomery and Why Is the Sky Blue? by Geraldine Taylor. She has also illustrated apparel, fabric, greeting cards, gift wrap, and more. Amy Schimler-Safford lives in Georgia.