This celebration of the Costa Rican rainforest and its many inhabitants invites readers to join in on a peaceful and informative hike under the canopy. From oropendolas and capuchin monkeys in the trees, to leaf-cutter ants scurrying and agoutis snuffing along the ground, the animals and insects of the rainforest are introduced to readers in a way that is both simple and intriguing. Messner’s narrative is engaging and educative, and Silas Neal’s illustration style matches the text’s tone with art that highlights the essence of each animal in a realistic way without overwhelming the eye with details to take in. As perspective shifts from looking directly upward at the leafy canopy, to directly down to the water below a hanging bridge, and everything in between, readers are pulled into the rainforest world for an experience that feels blissfully immersive in this two dimensional media, and the talent of the creative team is on full display as together they broaden the world of young readers through this story. Additional back matter begins to satiate curious readers’ appetites to learn more about the rainforest.

What Kind of Book is Over and Under the Rainforest

Primarily about

rainforests

Topics

back matter zoology science animals wildlife nature exploration ecology

Where Does This Book Stand Out

Little Genius
The “Little Genius” badge is awarded to recognize books that excel in being instructive and enjoyable.

Reviews

Mom of Boys

5.00

The Goodfather

6.00

What an introduction to the Costa Rican rainforest! This is exciting and educating, with even a bit of (near) peril.

Marmee

5.50

Such a fun look at the rainforest! The illustrations are amazing, showing the rainforest from so many different vantage points, and I love that the back matter gives curious readers an easy starting point to learn more about the animals referenced in the book.

Book Lists That Include This Book

Books about zoology

Books about rainforests

Goodnight, Starry Night (Peek-A-Boo Art)

Books about back matter

The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Kate Messner

Kate Messner is the award-winning author of Over and Under the Snow, Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, Over and Under the Pond, Tree of Wonder, and How to Read a Story, as well as more than a dozen other books for young readers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain in New York

Illustrator

Christopher Silas Neal

Christopher Silas Neal is an award-winning author and illustrator of picture books including Over and Under the Snow with author Kate Messner, which was praised for its “stunning retro-style illustrations” (New York Times) along with Over and Under The Pond and Up In the Garden and Down in The Dirt. Neal’s author debut titled “Everyone” was praised by Publisher’s Weekly as “simple, honest, lyrical”. His board book series (Animals Colors, Animal Shapes) received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus. He creates book jackets, art for magazines and posters. He speaks about his books, the art making process, and his career at schools, conferences, libraries and book festivals across the country. He lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.