The Rainforest Grew All Around by Susan K. Mitchell, illustrated by Connie McLennan

The Rainforest Grew All Around by Susan K. Mitchell, illustrated by Connie McLennan

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (April 30, 2007)

“On the ground, there fell a seed…the fluffiest seed that you ever did see…”

From that fluffy seed grows a tall Kapok tree, and in that tree grows a cat, and near the cat there was a vine…sound familiar? The Rainforest Grew All Around is based on the children’s song, “The Green Grass Grew All Around.” Through this song, we get a glimpse of the rainforest’s eco-system and see how everything is interconnected. Readers are introduced to a variety of rainforest plants and animals including a jaguar, an emerald tree boa, a sloth, and many many more.

On the sidebars of each two-page spread, readers can learn more about the plant or animal featured in the song; for example, “Sloths hang upside down in the trees and move very slowly.” Connie McLennan’s illustrations are vivid and detailed, and children will delight in finding the hidden rainforest insects within the book.

With very light messaging, children will have fun and simultaneously learn to respect and appreciate the rainforest and all of its creatures. The back of the book has expansion activities “For Creative Minds” and even a recipe for rainforest cookies. In addition, Sylvan Dell has a comprehensive list of teaching activities and learning links on their website. I highly recommend this book for any school or home library.

Note: Susan K. Mitchell's newest book, Kersplatypus, is being released on February 10th. Look for my review soon.