One Rainy Night - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3-The young narrator of this lovely and unusual story describes some of the things that this North Carolina family does on rainy nights. His mother works in a nature center and collects small animals from the area for visitors to see. On this particular night, the family is releasing those specimens that have been caged for nearly two weeks and finding new specimens. Dad drives the car (he doesn't like to get wet) while Mom and the boy do the catching. The book conveys an abiding respect for these small creatures, from spider to toad. In language that keeps the narrative moving quietly forward, there are numerous incidental details about the proper care and handling of the temporary captives. Krudop's paintings are muted but colorful enough so that both the humans and the animals have character. Children who have wondered where the animals in a nature center come from will find at least some answers to that question in this fine selection that would also serve well for a story hour or in a science classroom.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Depicted by a former nature-center director, a fascinating expedition: On a rainy night, a boy and his parents collect new specimens. Since they've kept his current favorite (``It's such a great toad'') for two weeks, Mom says it's time to let it go and get a replacement. Gove's smooth narrative features vivid descriptions (``An orange newt crosses the road, walking up on its toes and holding its tail high''), animal behavior and lore (Mom explains the umbilical scar on a turtle's belly), and humane information on how to catch insects, reptiles, and amphibians for temporary observation (larger ones go into pillowcases for the ride home). Krudop (Blue Claws, 1993) takes a painterly approach that differs radically from the precise style Beverly Duncan brought to Gove's A Water Snake's Year (1991), but his sure hand with composition and rich, dark hues highlighted by the headlights' glow admirably suit this nighttime adventure. An inspiring look at finding out about nature while treating it kindly. (Picture book. 5-10) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.