THE MOUSE AND THE MEADOW
by Chad Wallace ; illustrated by Chad Wallace ; developed by Dawn Publications
Follow an inquisitive little field mouse as he leaves the safety of his nest and explores the world outside for the first time.
Realistic and with a mouse-eye-view perspective, the interactive illustrations add drama and wonder as he encounters the other animals that inhabit his meadow. They may prove to be helpful or dangerous or simply curious, and they begin to reveal the interconnected ecosystem therein. He meets a very busy bee gathering pollen and learns how that is essential to the overall food supply. He narrowly escapes becoming part of the food chain when he passes too close to a fearsome garter snake, and soon after learning that fireflies use their lights to find mates, he finds himself sitting under the moon with a new mouse friend. Recounted in rhyme and populated with anthropomorphized animals, Wallace’s tale introduces somewhat sophisticated natural science concepts and vocabulary—metamorphosis and chrysalis, for instance—in an appealing storybook format. Interactions aren’t razzle-dazzle but nicely appropriate; tapping the mouse causes him to lean forward and twitch his nose inquisitively, which can’t help but increase readers’ engagement as well. Kid-friendly explanations and additional information about habitat are provided in a separate section at the end of the story.
Complete with a wise old turtle and a motherly bunny, this is charming and accessible science for young naturalists.
(iPad storybook app. 5-8)