FICTION

West Coast Wild: A Nature Alphabet

by Deborah HODGE
illus. by Karen Reczuch. 48p. further reading. websites. Groundwood. 2015. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781554984404.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—Reczuch's gorgeous watercolors are the centerpiece of this informative ABC picture book about the habitats along the west coast of North America. The clean design allows readers to focus on the visuals and the meaning of the text. Each page has two or three well-crafted sentences describing a plant or animal that lives in the Pacific Northwest. Hodge manages to find noteworthy specimens for every letter, even X (Xiphister, an eel-like fish). Useful back matter rounds out this charming and original abecedarium.
VERDICT This award-winning author and illustrator team present an elegant introduction to the organisms of the Pacific Rim, as well as a useful and accessible model for descriptive writing.
Reviewed by Maggi Idzikowski, Ann Arbor Public Schools, MI
Each letter of the alphabet introduces readers to an animal or feature of British Columbia's Pacific Rim region on Vancouver Island's west coast. Lush, detailed full-bleed paintings show familiar (e.g., bears, cougars) and less-well-known (e.g., Xiphister, or prickleback fish) creatures in their habitats (ocean, shore, ancient rainforest). Brief text accompanies each entry. An author's note provides more information. Reading list, websites.
 , Nov 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Holiday Gift Guide: Six Inclusive MG Fantasies, a guest post by Marieke Nijkamp
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

Gracie Under the Waves
by Park, Linda Sue
BOOKS

Make My Wish Come True
by Lippincott, Rachael & Alyson Derrick
BOOKS

My Weird School Special: Hip, Hip, Hooray! Every Day Is a Holiday!
by Gutman, Dan
BOOKS

Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook
by Gutta, Razeena Omar & Faaiza Osman
BOOKS

Big Changes for Plum!
by Phelan, Matt
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?