Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems
By Joyce Sidman
The Story
A collection of poems follows a pond through the seasons, from spring thaw to autumn chill, giving voice to water boatmen, painted turtles, diving beetles, and duckweed along the way.
Why It's Special
For the kid who crouches at the edge of every puddle and pond, poking at whatever moves — this collection turns that curiosity into something to read and reread.
- Big idea: A pond that looks quiet from the bank is actually loud with life, if you know how to look.
- Vibes: quiet, observant, a little wondrous — science and poetry sitting side by side
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy bugs, frogs, and pond creatures
- like to ask how animals really live
- respond well to poems paired with real science facts
- love looking closely at nature's small details
Ask Your Little Reader
- Imagination: If you were the water boatman, what would your pond sound like from underwater?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever visited a pond? What creatures did you spot?
- Story & problem-solving: How does the pond change from spring to autumn in these poems?
- Art & illustration: What do you notice about the woodcut pictures — how are they different from other pictures you've seen?
- Feelings & empathy: Which pond creature from the book would you most want to be, and why?
