FICTION

The Prairie That Nature Built

by Marybeth LORBIECKI
illus. by Cathy Morrison. 32p. further reading. glossary. notes. websites. Dawn. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781584694915; pap. $8.95. ISBN 9781584694922. LC 2013049138.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Written in verse, this picture book describes the sky, ground, and subterraneous life of the prairie ecosystem using "This Is the House That Jack Built" as its basis. For a repeating poem to succeed, readers must be enticed to repeat the words. Unfortunately, this text does not tempt ("Making good earth from animal poo"), nor do the words roll easily off the tongue ("Prairie dogs dig tunnels galore—/Lucky for owls, snakes, ferrets and more!"). Overly vivid illustrations cram every page, crowding out any sense of the open expanse of the prairie, and the staring eyes of owls, prairie dogs, and rabbits are unnerving. The switch from horizontal to vertical spreads at one point also mars the design. This book doesn't capture the spirit of the prairie; strictly additional.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Riffing on a "House That Jack Built" formula, Lorbiecki's clunky rhymed text references the interconnected plant and animal life of a prairie. There's little depth to the information presented, although supplemental paragraphs in the back matter add some facts. Cluttered illustrations in garish colors are detailed but lack a clear focus.
Reviewed by Frances E. Millhouser , Dec 01, 2014

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