The Shape Of Betts Meadow: A Wetlands Story

From School Library Journal reschool-Grade 3--Sayres recounts how Gunnar Holmquist bought and restored a 140-acre dry pasture to its natural wetland state. After mapping the meadow to discover where streams had flowed, he dug ponds, planted trees and wildflowers, restocked fish, and watched the landscape change through the seasons. The return of animals, birds, and plants will gladden readers as much as it did Holmquist. While many books document the destruction of habitats, this simple text offers hope that people can make a difference. The full-spread illustrations are adequate. This book might be paired with Molly Cone's Squishy, Misty, Damp and Muddy (Sierra Club, 1996; o.p.), which includes many fine photos of the wetland environment. Sayres concludes with brief introductions to wetland plants and animals found in Betts Meadow in Washington state. She includes addresses of conservation organizations and lists some books with information about wetlands restoration. All of them are quite lengthy and aimed at a much older readership. On its own, this picture book can encourage readers to participate in preserving and enhancing their natural surroundings. Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Ages 5-8. This picture-book account of the renewal of a dry meadow in Washington State begins when a local doctor decides to purchase the land and restore it to its original state as a wetland. Friar's watercolor illustrations first show the doctor mapping the area from the air to establish where streams once flowed, then working the heavy equipment to dig holes for ponds. Other pictures show the gradual return of birds, fish, frogs, and large mammals. The story is simply and elegantly told, and it has an immediacy lacking in many books about the subject: "Dust clung to Gunnar's mustache. Grit tickled his teeth and throat." Both the art and the text make this a pleasant change of pace on the subject. Todd Morning Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved