The Rainforest Grew All Around

by: Susan K. Mitchell; Illustrated by Connie McLennan

Published by: Sylvan Dell Publishing

Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

Sylvan Dell Publishing has provided yet another great educational tool with The Rainforest Grew All Around by Susan K. Mitchell, illustrated by Connie McLennan. The main text of this colorful children's book tells the cycle of creation of a rainforest, from seed to seed. This part of the story is meant to be sung to the tune of "The Green Grass Grows All Around." Colorful illustrations of different aspects of rainforest life highlight each verse. In addition, the main text is bordered with sidebars full of more in-depth information about the rainforest features each verse introduces.

As in all Sylvan Dell books, the story is followed up with engaging activities. There are several matching games, thoughtful questions, and a recipe for Rainforest Cookies. The activity pages can be downloaded from the Sylvan Dell website for easy use. The Rainforest Grew All Around can be a springboard for discussion with children about other life cycles and ecosystems, as it will inevitably pique their interest.

The author, Susan K. Mitchell, is a preschool teacher inspired to write the story by her class's reaction to the "Green Grass" song. She is the author of Stone Pizza, a modern take on the Stone Soup tale and Kersplatypus, a future Sylvan Dell release.

Connie McLennan created the beautiful illustrations in the picture book, and has illustrated various other Sylvan Dell releases, including Water Beds: Sleeping in the Ocean and Octavia and Her Purple Ink Cloud.

Armchair Interviews says: Colorful and engaging--intended for children ages four to eight.

Author's Web site: http://www.SusanKMitchell.com