This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake - by Nicholas Ruddock (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Would you help a tiny fragile snake? Fifteen poems explore close encounters with animals ... and choosing to respond tenderly. Whether it's helping a hummingbird escape, respecting a bear's habitat, admiring a heron's beauty, or giving way to ants at a picnic, the human response in these poems is to do no harm, and to help whenever possible. The poems follow a seasonal progression, ending with a final poem that imagines where each animal might be on a winter night. Inspired by personal experiences, Nicholas Ruddock's poems are simply written, with a pleasing rhyme, and fun to read aloud. In the spirit of the text, Ashley Barron's cut-paper collage illustrations portray each creature with respectful realism, in environments ranging from rural and wild to urban and suburban. A delightful dip into poetry for young animal lovers!"--

Book Synopsis

Fifteen poems explore close encounters with animals ... and choosing to respond tenderly.

Whether it's helping a hummingbird escape, respecting a bear's habitat, admiring a heron's beauty, or giving way to ants at a picnic, the human response in these poems is to do no harm, and to help whenever possible. The poems follow a seasonal progression, ending with a final poem that imagines where each animal might be on a winter night.

Inspired by personal experiences, Nicholas Ruddock's poems are simply written, with a pleasing rhyme, and fun to read aloud. In the spirit of the text, Ashley Barron's cut-paper collage illustrations portray each creature with respectful realism, in environments ranging from rural and wild to urban and suburban.

A delightful dip into poetry for young animal lovers!

Key Text Features

illustrations

poems

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4

Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6

With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4

Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Review Quotes

Both children and adults will delight in author Nicholas Ruddock's rhythmic cadence and [illustrator Ashley] Barron's exquisite and lifelike illustrations ... This collection of joyful, optimistic poems, so delicately and gaily illustrated, gently offers ways to be observant and kind in nature.

-- "Canadian Children's Book News"

An animated volume from a versatile author.

-- "The Telegram"

Quaint poems, charmingly illustrated.

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

A beautiful tribute to nature ... This is a picture book that could be pored over many times.

-- "Winnipeg Free Press"

A solid purchase for collections with animal-loving or poetry-loving readers.

-- "School Library Journal"

This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake, a visual treat, carries a powerful message of harmony.

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"