MOWING

When Gramp takes the horses out to mow hay, little Nora comes along; it's not safe for her to ride while the cutter bar is lowered, but she can help by watching for animals in the tall grass. Bobolinks fly out of the way; a woodchuck retreats safely to his hole; but Gramp mows carefully around the fawn lying obediently where its mother left it and a killdeer protecting its nest. The shared task makes a lovely way to present the wildlife hidden in a summer meadow and the care that can be taken to preserve it even if ``Some people would call that a pretty bad job of mowing,'' as Gramp observes. Smith's realistic illustrations are as clear as a June day, with wildlife rendered precisely enough for identification; the warm interaction between Nora and Gramp grows naturally from their companionable dialogue, while art and text work beautifully together to bring out the story's quiet drama. (Picture book. 3-7)