Nest, Nook & Cranny

Gr 4-8 Blackaby's descriptive untitled poems about mammals, insects, and birds are arranged in sections by habitatdesert, grassland, shoreline, wetland, woodlandin sketchbook format, along with accomplished realistic charcoal pencil drawings on textured paper. Each short section of three to six poems begins with a two-page drawing of the habitat. The clever, informative rhymes include carefully researched details about animal behaviorcreatures that carry their homes; what otters and herons eat; the habits of ducks; hiding places for bugs. There is a brief descriptive paragraph on each of the five habitats. A poem-by-poem discussion of how appropriate poetic form and devices were chosen for each piece provides valuable coaching and inspiration for students to try their own hand at creating verse. This is a special book that teachers will find useful and nature lovers will treasure."Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.