Library Book: Where Once There Was a Wood

A powerful poem and stunning, handmade-paper art encourage children to protect nature. "Where once there was a wood, A meadow and a creek . . . " Inspired by events in her own backyard, award-winning author and illustrator Denise Fleming creates a poignant yet hopeful portrait of our disappearing natural environment. The last pages of the book teach children how to make a more "creature friendly" backyard, including information about what types of food, trees and flowers attract different kinds of animals. Where Once There Was a Wood also includes an informative bibliography for budding environmentalists, and suggests various projects that families can do together.

Denise Fleming has published eight picture books with Henry Holt, including the Caldecott Honor Book, In the Small, Small Pond. She creates the beautiful art in her books by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils. The result--images set in handmade paper. Denise Fleming lives in Toledo, Ohio with her husband.

"Fleming's unique illustrative style provides an exciting backdrop to this distinctive, environmental picture book."--School Library Journal

"Contains some of Fleming's most accomplished work ever. A beautiful call to arms."--Publisher's Weekly

"A book that's as welcome as spring."--Kirkus Reviews