Someone Walks By

by: Polly Carlson-Voiles

Published by: Raven Productions, Inc.

Reviewed by Connie Anderson

Delightful message. Beautiful illustrations.

This author/illustrator has created a stunning trek across a Northern winter environment.
Raven Productions of Ely Minnesota encourages children and adults to explore, enjoy and protect the natural world and share experiences with one another through storytelling, writing and art.

The illustrations are bold and tell a story without a word. Animals are hiding on every page waiting for a child to find them. The cover art could be framed for its beauty.

Home schooling parents could use this book for many days of lessons on animal’s winter survival, hibernation and hunting for food.

Any child and adult will find the story intriguing with the illustrations alternating between showing life on top of the snow and underground (like rivers, caves, etc.). The story moves quickly as we learn about all the animals found in the northwoods. Whether we are learning about day and night activities of mammals and birds, the give and take of nature is obvious.

What does a porcupine eat? How do animals store up food for winter? What does it look like inside a bear’s den with mother and cubs?

Each above ground page focuses on one animal–and its footprints border the page. Kids could practice drawing them.

The title idea of “someone walks by” is answered at the end as two wolves howl from different directions, “I am here” to each other so the mates can connect.

The wonderful way the author describes things like: “Two wolves run and dance on moonlight paws racing with shoulders pressed together.” You can see them run and almost feel their togetherness.

Armchair Interviews says: This book is a wonderful combination of all three: story, storytelling and superb visuals.

Web site: http://www.Ravenwords.com