Otters, Snails and Tadpole Tails

by Eric Ode, Ruth E. Harper (Illustrator)

Acclaimed singer/songwriter/poet Eric Ode joins forces with New York Times bestselling illustrator Ruth Harper in this gentle, stunningly beautiful homage to all things wetland. From raccoons to muskrats, frogs to heron, it’s a celebration of biodiversity, art, poetry, and healthy ecosystems.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Science, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2019

Reviews

[Mark Anthony Salvador · Rating 3 out of 5]

The anthology is simple and informative. I learnt a lot about wetland biodiversity. For example, before, I never knew that there's a creature called a "diving beetle." Most of the poems are fine. The illustrations are awesome. In every spread, the illustration captures not just one animal but a scene in wetland biodiversity.

The last poem in the anthology, "The Shrew and the Bat," teaches the children about being grateful. The bat praises the capability and anatomy of the shrew, and the shrew praises the capability and anatomy of the bat. They are envious of each other's ability.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book. I enjoyed the poems and thought the illustrations are fabulous. I also appreciated that the writer made many of the animals female, though I was confused why the duck in text was male and in illustration female. For me, I think that some of the lines might be too metaphorical for small children, or those who think in very straight lines, but I am reviewing from my perspective as an abstract-thinking adult and I really liked this book.

[Angela Verry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such great information beautifully intertwined with poems! 📚✨📝 The combination makes learning feel creative and engaging instead of overwhelming. 🌟🧠 The poems add emotion, rhythm, and a memorable way to connect with the facts, showing just how much we can learn through different styles of writing. 💡🎭📖 A wonderful reminder that knowledge and art can work together to make reading both meaningful and enjoyable! 💕📚

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of poetry that celebrates the wetlands. Illustrations of the animals vary between beautifully accurate and cartoon like. No back matter.

[Chelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the poetry in this!

[Jeff Corrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are great!