In My Pond

This mixed-media board book has an organic, arts-and-crafts quality. Die-cut pages form wavy contours that mimic ripples; inside the “pond,” attached to the book's last page, is a yellow and orange fabric fish finger puppet. Readers can wiggle the fish as it describes its home: “In my pond there are shiny stones... lily pads floating on splashy blue water.” The layered pages surrounding the pond and smiling fish have collage-like patterns that range from woven to Chinese type to topographical maps. In all, this book is a delicate gem. In My Nest is also available. Ages 6 mos.–4 yrs. (May)