What kinds of animal signs have you seen in your neighborhood or a park?

This is a discussion prompt for Around the Pond: Who's Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you were exploring a pond, what animals would you hope to see?

This is a discussion prompt for Around the Pond: Who's Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do Cammy and her brother work together to solve the mystery?

This is a discussion prompt for Around the Pond: Who's Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What does this book teach us about being observant?

This is a discussion prompt for Around the Pond: Who's Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Find on Amazon

Around the Pond: Who's Been Here?

Name: Around the Pond: Who's Been Here?
ISBN: 9780688143770

by Lindsay Barrett George

Cammy and her brother spend a warm summer afternoon picking blueberries and uncovering the hidden lives of animals through tracks, dams, and feathers. A gentle introduction to nature observation.

About This Book

This charming picture book follows siblings Cammy and her brother as they explore a pond on a warm summer day. While picking blueberries, they encounter various signs of unseen animals, from footprints in the mud to a beaver's dam and a floating feather. Each discovery prompts the question, "Who's been here?" encouraging young readers to observe and deduce. It's a wonderful book for fostering curiosity about nature, animal behavior, and the joy of outdoor exploration with a loved one.

While picking blueberries on a warm summer afternoon, Cammy and her brother see signs of unseen animals and their activities including footprints, a dam, and a floating feather.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Love & Family Teamwork & Collaboration Empathy & Kindness Joy & Gratitude Freedom & Independence Growing Up Making Friends Animals Nature & Outdoors Family & Siblings Adventure Weather & Seasons Puzzles & Games

Wonderlit Review

Around the Pond Who's Been Here? invites young readers on a delightful journey of discovery with siblings Cammy and her brother. On a warm summer afternoon, while picking blueberries, the children become nature detectives, noticing subtle signs of animal life around a pond. From muddy footprints to a beaver's dam and a floating feather, each clue sparks their curiosity, leading them to wonder which creature has passed by. The book subtly reveals the identity of each animal through detailed illustrations and context, making the learning process engaging and interactive. This book handles its topic with a gentle, observational approach, devoid of any sensitive themes. The emotional arc is consistently calm and joyful, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. It's an ideal read for children who possess a natural curiosity about the outdoors, those who enjoy quiet observation, or families seeking a gentle introduction to animal tracking and nature exploration. It also beautifully portrays a heartwarming sibling bond through shared activity. Parents might reach for this book when planning a nature walk, after a visit to a local park or pond, to encourage outdoor play, or simply as a calming, educational bedtime story. It's perfect for sparking conversations about local wildlife and the importance of paying attention to one's surroundings. No specific preparation is needed, though discussing local animals or signs seen in the backyard could enhance the experience. Younger children (ages 4-6) will be captivated by the simple narrative, the beautiful illustrations, and the fun "who's been here?" guessing game. Older children (ages 7-11) can delve deeper into the animal facts, appreciate the observational skills demonstrated, and might even be inspired to start their own nature journaling or tracking. The book's strength lies in its immersive, quiet approach to nature education; it doesn't just list facts but engages the reader in a detective-like process, fostering genuine curiosity and a deeper connection to the environment. The collaborative sibling dynamic adds a lovely layer of warmth and shared learning.