Over and Under the Rainforest

K-Gr 3–This engaging picture book centers on the rain forests of Central America and is narrated by a nameless child, who walks through the forest with an adult. The text provides an educational tour of the creatures that live in that ecosystem. The highlighted animals, including oropendolas, emerald basilisks, agoutis, and blue morpho butterflies, may be unfamiliar to young readers. Every page is an adventure and will have children wondering what they’ll discover next. The long excursion ends at nightfall. The illustrations are rendered in shades of green, black, and mauve with a few bright blue, red, and yellow accents. The texture of mist and humidity mute some of the colors as the hikers climb steps, cross a bridge over the river, and marvel at the abundance of life. The narrator and her adult companion are drawn with tan skin and dark hair. Twenty animals that live in the forest canopy, the ground, and the river are listed in the back matter. Further reading suggestions and sources are also included.