Over and Under the Pond

A follow up to Over and Under the Snow and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this time focusing on the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. As parent and child launch a canoe from the muddy shore and paddle through water lilies, they see frogs jump and painted turtles slide off logs, disappearing beneath the murky water. What’s happening down there? Under the pond, leeches lurk, crayfish scuttle under rocks, nymphs build intricate shells, and microscopic animals break down fallen leaves to recharge the water with nutrients. Over the pond, fuzzy cattails sway in the breeze, and a pair of loons swim by, laughing in the dappled sunlight. An author’s note discusses not only the different organisms featured, but also the truly remarkable balance of this wetland ecosystem, the way plants and animals create a chemical balance that sustains the lives of the pond.

‘[A] lovely study of the ways animals spend the winter.’ —Publishers Weekly, starred review

‘Messner packs much information into the serene wintry landscape, beautifully captured in Neal’s stunning retro-style illustrations.’ —The New York Times

‘Beautifully rendered.’ —The Horn Book, starred review

‘This book depicting beauty in nature is a gem . . . . Anyone looking for a picture book that also teaches science will love this title.’ —Library Media Connection, starred review

Author Biography

Kate Messner is the award-winning author of Over and Under the Snow, Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, Tree of Wonder, and How to Read a Story, as well as more than a dozen other books for young readers. Kate lives in New York with her family. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time outside—cross country skiing, hiking, swimming, and digging in her gardens. Learn more at her website www.katemessner.com.

Christopher Silas Neal is an award-winning illustrator whose work has been published in a variety of books, magazines, and has been featured on television. He is a regular contributor to the New York Times and shows his art at various galleries nationwide. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn and teaches at Pratt Institute. Find out more about Chris at www.redsilas.com.