By Pond and River

Eyes and No Eyes #2

by Arabella Burton Buckley

One of a set of books by Arabella Buckley, Pond and River introduces children to the variety of plant and animal life around ponds and rivers. In this book, children will learn about frogs, dragon-flies, fish, water-bugs, water birds, otters, and voles. Includes numerous black and white illustrations and drawings.

Genres: Nature, Science, Natural History, Childrens, Science Nature, Nonfiction, Classics

44 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

Arabella Burton Buckley (1840–1929) was a writer and science educator.

Reviews

[Isabella Leake · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4th grader surprised me by declaring this his favorite school book! He generally does not enjoy natural history type books as much as other genres or as much as his siblings do, so I was charmed and encouraged.

I was charmed by the book, too. It contains short, descriptive, beautifully and humanely written chapters about different animal and plant life in ponds (e.g. frogs, dragonflies, sticklebacks, otters, kingfishers, water flowers). It's British, so it was especially fun to read about creatures we just don't have in the US (I think?), like water hens and water rats (which duly enhanced my appreciation of The Wind in the Willows). But at the same time, there was enough overlap with our own species of insects, animals, and plants that it felt relevant to our own experience of nature.

This volume is actually the second section in the larger work by Arabella Buckley, Eyes and No-Eyes. For some reason our curriculum assigned it first, before the first section (Wild Life in Woods and Fields), which provides an introduction and sets up a frame narrative. I wish we had read them in reverse order, though I concede that the frame doesn't matter very much.

[Jean Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read aloud with short chapters and beautiful illustrations. It went along nicely with our nature walks and nature journaling. I look forward to reading more of her nature books.

[Tom Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short children's book was charming and informative. As one should see, as an adult it had a few gems that I had not myself known. A great book for any kid showing even the slightest interest in ponds or the critters that call ponds their home.

[Stevi Lorenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and informative book about various insects and animals. Just enough info in a short book that's great for kids.

However, if you buy the 2013 reprints please know that the picture quality is not very good. I'll keep my eye out for an older copy.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in this series! We loved learning about animals and plants that live near water.

[Brieana-Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to kids.

[Joy Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ideal for its content

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book. The kids were ok with it, but not thrilled. The pictures left something to be desired. A good book to have in the syllabus.

It went better the second go-around.

[Sara Hollar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-read for Y3. Great science series for Form 1!

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good audio book that encourages pond exploration and wonder.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the author's tone; she writes as though you are taking a nature walk together.
I listened to the Librivox audiobook, so I missed seeing the illustrations. But the narration was great.