"We paddle up to baby ducks
who quickly turn around.
They motorboat their little legs
and make a splashy sound.
Green lily pads like floating hearts
hold yellow flowers up.
And dragonflies with shining wings
rest on these petal cups."
While the northwest winds blow hard enough to give us a -36 degree day, we turn to dreams of better days ahead. The days in spring and summer when the sun that is shining today will feel a whole lot warmer than it does in the deep freeze that is February 18. Perseverance will get us through it - again!
The child who narrates this warmhearted tale of a day spent with a beloved grandfather enjoys every single thing about it. They set out in early morning light, both paddling as grandpa has taught in earlier outings. Their adventure is quiet and consuming as they closely watch the wildlife that shares the environment they so admire. Grandpa points to each and every wonderful creature they encounter, and teaches his grandchild what he knows about habits and behaviors.
Their story is told in rhyming verse, and celebrates the joy to be found in being in a natural enviironment. There is so much for them to see together - fish, beavers, ducks, frogs, dragonflies, an osprey and swallows. Each has a role to play in the life of the lake.
Sunrise takes them out and sunset brings them home. Both are tired and satisfied at the end of their day together, with Grandpa providing the help needed to get his grandchild up the stairs and into bed.
Ms. Bifano's gorgeous gouache artwork fills each double page spread with details and the beauty of the surroundings. The ever-changing perspectives are especially effective and very reminiscent of times spent in the natural world and at a summer retreat. Careful consideration is given to light and its effects as it changes from early morning sunlight to the starry glow of early evening.
Thank you, Sal,for this beautiful review!
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