Reviewer: Sharon Brunner
Jennifer Bonn’s book “What Kaitlyn Finds in the Lake” is a delightful story of a young girl who explores the lake area and finds various forms of nature. The main characters are Kaitlyn and her mother. Bonn is from Georgia. The lake in the book could be from anywhere, including the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (U.P.). A variety of wildlife lives at the lake, such as turtles, fish, birds, and a large catfish. The lake in the book is filled with wonder and beauty.
The main theme in the book is a connection with nature. Kaitlyn learns to be gentle with the wildlife she handles. She carefully picks up a small turtle. She demonstrates her respect for nature by only picking flowers for her mother that are not rare or protected. Kaitlyn is in awe as she watches the blue heron and butterflies flit from flower to flower.
I can relate to this book in so many ways. I love being outdoors and observing all forms of wildlife, from deer to birds. Many hours are spent hiking in the woods. I demonstrate respect for the environment by picking up litter, composting, and recycling as much as I can. Our household recycles metal items such as cans, glass, paper, newspapers, and magazines. Every year I plant a garden to grow fresh vegetables. I enjoy seeing plants grow from seeds.
I recommend this book for its beautiful illustrations, the lessons it teaches about nature, and its introduction to the joy of exploring lake environments. The illustrator, Bigan Sammadder, provided a variety of pictures of turtles, a fawn, birds, a blue heron, and other wildlife. Bonn portrayed the importance of protecting nature, and Kaitlyn’s interest in nature was contagious. Bonn brought to life a child’s curiosity and the quiet magic of the natural world.
Title: What Kaitlyn Finds in the Lake
Author: Jennifer Bonn
