Author: Margriet Ruurs

Illustrator: Ron Broda

Publisher: Tundra Books

Product: Book (32 pages)

Cost: $21.99

Ages: 4 to 8

The first two pages of In My Backyard show a typical backyard scene with a difference: everything, from the tire swing to the garden plants, is white. As you go through the book though, you meet the creatures that live there. Page-by-page, creature-by-creature, the book — and the backyard — comes to life. The author’s simple, descriptive text and the artist’s stunning paper sculptures make this a gem. Added features, such as the search for hidden animals, and more detailed information at the back of the book, add to its appeal.

Reviewer:
Kiri Ngawati,
age 7

The thing I liked most about this book was finding the ladybug on each page. I learned a lot about many animals. Did you know a hummingbird egg is the size of a small jellybean? I liked all of the pretty pictures, but my favourite one was of the little wren. I also liked the information at the back of the book about each animal. I would describe this book as colourful. I would give this book a 10 out of 10.