Crawdad Creek

The half-underwater scenes are particularly striking and well done. A fine addition to . . . creek ecology."

(Booklist (reviewing a previous edition))

Exquisite watercolor paintings draw children into a wondrous, watery realm . . . Lyrical text brings nature to life and shows how intriguing the simple things of life can be . . . It's a quiet, beautiful world that gets richer the more you look at it.

(National Geographic (reviewing a previous edition))

Exquisitely detailed paintings capture the beauty of the wild, natural world waiting to be discovered. The book encourages readers to go outside; find moving water; and open their eyes, ears, and hearts to the wilderness everywhere.

(National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council (reviewing a previous edition))

The beautiful illustrations are executed with acrylics using a watercolor technique, and immerse readers in a delicately lovely and watery childhood world. . . . Should inspire immediate explorations of the nearest body of water available.

(School Library Journal (reviewing a previous edition))

Hynes, in contrast with the rolling, reflective text, uses close-ups and distant shots to establish what the children are seeing, where they are, and the beauty of their natural surroundings. Readers see the creek through Elizabeth's legs, spy the arrowhead as Michael's hand comes down to grab it, and watch over the tops of the children's heads as they pan for gold. Evocative.

(Kirkus Reviews (reviewing a previous edition))

Originally published in 1999, this children's book returns to print for families to enjoy again.

(Evansville Living)