In Madera Canyon is a children's picture book written in progressive verse about the wildlife inhabiting the Madera Canyon region, which is located in southeastern Arizona. The book begins with a hummingbird and introduces a new animal, plant or natural element on each subsequent page. Each verse is represented by one or two beautiful, richly colored illustrations from the hand of artist Rick Wheeler.
This is a hummingbird, buzzing away
in Madera Canyon
These are the flowers whose nectar so sweet feeds
the hummingbird, buzzing away,
in Madera Canyon
This is the creek that flows over rocks, sprinkling
the flowers whose nectar so sweet feeds
the hummingbird, buzzing away,
in Madera Canyon
and so it goes until readers are introduced to a rich variety of animals, such as the side-blotched lizard, the Arizona gray squirrel, the mountain lion, the white-tailed deer, the white-nosed coati, the elegant trogon, the western tanager, the black bear, the American kestrel and the Harris hawk. At the end of the book there's an illustrated glossary with animal photographs and their descriptions.
The Evaluation
This is a book that is both delightful and educational. The melodic verse will invite children to listen, while the beautiful illustrations will draw them in and capture their imaginations. The verse is softly lyrical but simple at the same time, making this an appropriate book for young children ages 4 to 8.
The artwork is an unusual combination of scratchboard and watercolors, not too often found in children's books, as well as pencil and ink drawings.
Love of nature and a responsibility for the preservation of wildlife are two very important concepts for which it's never to early to be taught to young minds. This book will make the task easier. It will instill respect of nature in children as well as teach them the various types of wildlife from a specific region.
About the Author
Jane E. Holt is a journalist, photographer, and award-winning writer. She owns and operates the Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon, Arizona, where she does most of her writing. Visit her website at www.JaneEHolt.com.
About the Illustrator:
Rick Wheelar is an award-winning painter, illustrator, and graphic artist. He is a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and Artists for Conservation Foundation. He is best known for his scratchboard and watercolor technique. He is an art instructor at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute. Visit his website at www.rickarts.com.
Book Information:
In Madera Canyon
by Jane E. Holt
Illustrated by Rick Wheeler
Wheatmark
Paperback
8.5x8.5 in
36 pages
Publication date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781604940022
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