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Marsh Morning

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

During the day, a marsh comes alive with the sounds of birds. As dawn appears, a single heron stands motionless offshore, and then the blackbird begins the first melody. Soon the dawn chorus swells as the warblers and sparrows and wrens chime in. The marsh begins to rock as the woodpeckers drum out the beat and other species pick up the rhythm. Just before dusk, the birds gradually become quiet—but the serenade is not over. . . Although the story is a fantasy, each of the different species of birds has been carefully portrayed, and described by the author in an Afterword. The musical terms are defined in a glossary. Young naturalists who are fond of birds as well as youngsters who enjoy music will have a wonderful time as part of the marsh’s daytime audience.

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978-0-7613-2648-9
 $21.99
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Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books, Science
Copyright 2003
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2011-01-01
Reading Counts! Level 3.6
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV031040, JUV002040, JUV029010
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 7.75 x 10
Guided Reading Level P
ATOS Reading Level 3.0
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 78758
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Glossary, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Author: Marianne Berkes

Marianne Berkes is the author of ten picture books, all inspired by her love of nature. A former teacher, librarian and children’s theater director, Marianne brings her experiences to good use, as she combines fact and fiction. Berkes is a favorite presenter at schools, conferences, and literary festivals. She lives in Hobe Sound, Florida, with her husband, Roger.

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Illustrator: Robert Noreika

Reviews

Booklist

“Short rhymes describe each bird’s part with musical references and metaphors, but it is the lush watercolor illustrations that really sing here. They orchestrate an evocative aviary concert, preserving the individual characteristics of each bird in the attractive binocular-close picture compositions. A glossary of musical terms is included with a two-page cast list of the birds, providing information on each of the 15 species presented; there’s also a six-title bibliography of adult books. . . [A] great book for budding young birders.”
—Booklist

Science Books & Films

“Through rhythmical verse couched in musical terms and colorful luminous watercolor paintings, this book takes young readers through a day in a marsh from dawn to day. . . Young readers will enjoy the versified text and illustrations. For them, the book will be a fascinating introduction to musical concepts and marshlands, so often viewed as wastelands to be drained. Marsh Morning is an excellent read-aloud book. The reader must linger on each double – spread set of pages in order to allow the listener to absorb the engaging paintings that capture the changing mood of the marsh throughout the day.”
—Science Books & Films

School Library Journal

“Morning comes to the marsh with wildlife awakening amid watercolor mist and movement in grays, browns, green and black, re-creating this unique ecosystem. Rabbit stands in mid-motion, heron is knee-deep in water and red-winged blackbird ‘starts his melody.’ Four lines of rhyme introduce the language of sparrow and wren’s vocalization, and crane and woodpecker’s syncopation, in a chorus or solo of movement and song. . . A glossary of musical terms with pronunciation guides and a list of the birds in order of appearance, including physical and vocal descriptions, end a delightful offering. This title will engage children as they enjoy the day that comes to an end with a night melody. . . Excellent.”
—School Library Journal