In this heartwarming story, little Anna gathers bits of nature she and her family find, and she collects them on a special table given to her by her beloved aunt. Esteemed children's author Eve Bunting shows us the poetry of beach rocks and sea shells, mouse bones and dried pomegranates, a shark's tooth, an old bird's nest, and a piece of tree bark shaped like a hand. Young readers will delight in the treasures found on Anna's Table. Anna reminds readers of all ages "how clever nature is, " through growth, death and rebirth.A subtle celebration of the cycle of life, this story is about the incredible bond of children to nature, the miracle of family, and a belief in the beauty of all things.
By Eve Bunting, Taia Morley
Illustrated by Taia Morley
Edition: illustrated
Published by NorthWord Press, 2003
ISBN 1559718412, 9781559718417
32 pages
PreS-Gr 3, Ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 -A free-verse account of a ...
... child who keeps all of her treasures from nature on a table in her room. "I have a drift of butterflies,/their colors orange bright./We found them in the grass/one night/after a cold strong wind/and sudden freeze/swept them from the trees." She also has a blue jay's feather, the backbone of a garter snake, a seagull's skull, and many other distinctive items. Anna's quiet pleasure in these things and her close family ties are admirable, and the colorful paintings are skillfully executed, with lots of joy and warmth. However, while the story has flashes of Bunting's characteristic charm and a worthwhile message, it lacks dramatic tension. Add it if you have a large collection and/or a ready audience for thoughtful nature books. Otherwise, buy extra copies of Bunting's Butterfly House (Scholastic, 1998) and/or Secret Place (Clarion, 1996), also beautifully illustrated stories revolving around environmental themes.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL Reed Business Information (c) 2003
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