Reference Sunday: Step Gently Out by Helen Frost photographs by Rick Lieder

I was so happy the other day to discover the local library by my office.   It was a beautiful day and I wanted to go out.   I have been neglecting my blog and thought it was time to refresh it.   The Mahwah Public Library is beautiful.  I was not expecting such a large building with a wonderful children's section. The librarians were so nice and helpful too.  I got there just as a story time was a about to start....I really wished I could join in.  I checked out a number of books that I thought would be interesting.

Step Gently Out poems by Helen Frost and photographs by Rick Lieder, published by Candlewick Press was recommended to me by one of the librarians.   She said she loves to read it at story time because the children are fascinated by the photographs of insects and the natural world.   They like to trace the photos and touch the insects....it is so realistic and exquisite.   I am not a bug or insect person.   As a matter of fact I tend to run away from them.   That being said even I was drawn to these photographs....Rick Lieder is truly one of the best nature photographers I have ever seen.   I love Helen Frost's lyrical poems too....so simple but expressive.   This is the perfect book for ages 2 and up....(I say "and up" because I think any age can appreciate this book).   This is a great book for a child who loves to explore the outdoors and a great way to show children the wonder and beauty of the world around them.  I would have loved to give this to my nephews, I always marveled at my sister-in-law Theresa because she never hesitated to pick up creepy crawly things to show her boys when they were little.

Oh and as far as being a "reference" book, there is a fantastic glossary in the back filled with information about each insect with an accompanying photograph.