LAKE

“What do you see when you see a lake?”

Questions with a whimsical, poetic air lead young readers and listeners through the experience of observing and appreciating the wonders of a woodland lake in this second book of the See To Learn series (after Forest, 2019). While some swimming and hiking occur, humans are for the most part peripheral or absent; nature is the focus here, and the author’s intention is to foster an appreciation of its varied aspects, including the weather (wind, snow), the four seasons, the animals (moose, otter, squirrels, swans, geese, dragonflies, water striders, trout and other types of fish), the plants and trees (pines, maples, waterlilies, underwater plants), and, of course, the shimmering water and glowing morning and evening skies. Layered, crisp-edged art framed by branches, swirling plants, and leaves reflects the text closely. While not a selection children will necessarily choose to read over and over again, this is solid early nonfiction, accurate and accessible, that calls attention to the importance of the natural world, provides visual and sensory description, pinpoints relevant and unexpected details, encourages children to ask and answer questions, and seeks to elicit a sense of awe. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-17.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 69.7% of actual size.)

Lyrical questions leave room for imagination while providing information on a lake’s environment and inhabitants.