Synopses & Reviews
This stunning nature alphabet book explores the fascinating ecosystem of the Pacific West Coast and#8212; a magnificent area that combines an ancient rainforest, a rugged beach and a vast, open ocean, and where whales, bears, wolves, eagles and a rich variety of marine species thrive in an interconnected web of life. Author Deborah Hodge has spent more than forty years on the west coast, frequently visiting the Pacific Rim region, and she knows it intimately. From A to Z she describes in vivid language the rainforest, ocean and beach, and a great variety of animals that a child might see walking along the shore and#8212; from tiny sea jellies to inquisitive sandpipers to leaping orcas. Illustrator Karen Reczuch brings her remarkable talent to the book, and has created image after image that is simply breathtaking. The text and art have been carefully checked for scientific accuracy. The book also includes a note about the Pacific West Coast and suggestions for exploring the region and further reading.
Review
Praise for Loon:and#8220;This book . . . has a lyrical text and lush, full-color illustrations.and#8221; and#8212; School Library Journal
Review
"To say the book is simply a nature alphabet is an understatement. Altogether, the 26 selections create a panoramic experience in printand#151;East Coast dwellers will want one of their own." andmdash; Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Deborah Hodge is the author of more thanand#160;25 books for children. She specializes in writing engaging non-fiction for young readers and loves the challenge of using few words to explain big thoughts. Many of Deborahand#8217;s books have received awards and have been published internationally. Her honors include the Information Book Award of Canada and the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature, and she was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award for Childrenand#8217;s and Young Adult Literature. Her work has also appeared on ALAand#8217;s Top Ten Best Environmental Books for Youth.and#160;She lives in Vancouver.
Karen Reczuch has illustrated many award-winning childrenand#8217;s books. Loon by Susan Vande Griek won the TD Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Childrenand#8217;s Non-fiction, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Childrenand#8217;s Picture Book Award and the Vancouver Childrenand#8217;s Literature Roundtable Information Book Award. It was also named a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Karenand#8217;s other publications include The Auction by Jan Andrews, a Governor Generaland#8217;s Award finalist; Just Like New by Ainslie Manson, winner of the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award; and Salmon Creek, winner of the BC Book Prize. Karenand#8217;s work includes scientific, historical and archeological illustration, and it has been exhibited internationally. She lives in Acton, ON, Canada.