Leaf and the Long Ice: Volume 3 of Twig Stories
Written by Jo Marshall
Illustrated by D.W. Murray
This book is volume three of the twig stories. Jo Marshall writes them to develop an understanding of the natural world. She successfully combines adventure storytelling with accurate science in an attempt to encourage an appreciation for the earth and preservation of our environment.. Her target audience is fourth grade through the elementary school years though adults will enjoy them just as much.
The twigs live in a forest at the base of an old volcano which is topped by a glacier. At the beginning of the story we meet Leaf who has been placed in charge of his younger twig brothers while his parents and older sister Fern are away. The twins named Buddy and Burka plead for a story. Leaf tells them about one of their father’s adventures which inspires them to sneak away so that they can play in the snow. When Leaf falls asleep, they make their break and the adventure begins.
Along the way the twins encounter many forest creatures, beaver, rabbits, goats, foxes, pike, insects, eagles and caribou among them. Some are friendly and supportive; others are natural predators. The moth provides a ride, while the eagle looks at them as a tasty meal. Leaf ventures after his brothers so the author is really describing two separate fantasy adventures. The twins slip and slide, hide in caves, and are attacked by natural enemies, while Leaf frets about them and experiences his own adventures. The author shows the harmony of nature and how the creatures of earth need to support and aid each other for mutual benefit.
At the end of the book, Marshall gives cameos of the types of wildlife that she features as her characters and sketches what their needs are and how they are endangered today. Murray, who has worked with Disney and Universal Studios as an illustrator and screenwriter, supplies beautiful hand drawn illustrations. Marshall donates a portion of sales to wildlife causes and provides additional learning materials on her website www.twigstories.com.
This series furnishes reading entertainment for children and adults as well as accurate scientific environmental information that teachers and parents will find valuable. Read this volume to get started.
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5 responses to “SLIPPING AND SLIDING AWAY”
LovableLobo
July 25th, 2013 at 14:35
Great review! I love a good forest story with lots of critters!
bamauthor
July 25th, 2013 at 20:16
Thanks! I love critters too, just not the insect kind! LOL
upliftingfam
July 26th, 2013 at 13:10
I love the cover of this book. Looks like a great story. Thank you for shaing.
bamauthor
July 26th, 2013 at 15:19
You are most welcome. I agree with you on the cover. The soft colors are so pleasing to the eye.
myeagermind
September 21st, 2013 at 22:35
Reblogged this on Lenora's Culture Center and Foray into History.