Over in the Wetlands: A Hurricane-on-the-Bayou Story

K-Gr 4—Rose focuses on the actions of wetlands animals as they react to the approach, arrival, and departure of a hurricane. Her poetic text avoids the temptation to follow the familiar "Over in the Meadow" formula by varying rhythmic patterns to mirror the storm's energy. As the faint morning breeze intensifies in the bayou, pelicans and spoonbills search for food. A mother alligator returns to her den to keep her babies safe. Under darkening skies and churning seas, fish and turtles seek shelter while the hurricane twists and roars. Staccato pulses of verse mark its destruction before it fades, and the animals emerge to an altered landscape. Dunlavey's mixed-media illustrations reflect this trajectory, growing darker as the storm intensifies. Double-page spreads of bayou landscapes will capture and hold listeners' attention, especially close-ups such as the toothy mama gator carrying her babies in her jaws. Author's notes offer more information about featured animals from the Mississippi River Delta plus background on threats to Louisiana wetlands. Suggested websites offer additional educator resources, and some include student activities as well.