A Walk in the Woods — Caroline Arnold

K-Gr 2-- Less successful than her nature books for middle graders, Arnold here writes down to young readers. She relates general tidbits on all aspects of life in the forest in a heavily illustrated book, resulting in a confusing picture. She often leads readers on an exploration, ``Feel the moss growing on the log'' and then elaborates, ``Moss is a tiny plant found in cool, moist places.'' This approach could interest children, but after saying that the moss ``feels like a soft cushion,'' Arnold changes the subject to mushrooms. Only a few lines are included on each topic, and the book covers trees and their uses, leaves, needles, animals, birds, and seasons. The watercolor illustrations are too busy to be effective; one two-page spread shows wildflowers, snakes, and insects. A more in-depth overview with less general information, such as David Schwartz' The Hidden Life of the Forest (Crown, 1988), serves a better purpose. --Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA