Over and Under the Rainforest

By Kate Messner, Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)

Part of the Over and Under series

A young explorer and their guide hike through the rainforest, discovering its hidden world of animals and plants.

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 715 ratings

48 pages· 623 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Journey into the heart of Central America's rainforest, where the vibrant world beneath the canopy teems with life. From the slender parrot snake to the elusive jaguar, discover the secrets of this lush ecosystem. Capuchin monkeys swing through the trees, while sloths patiently endure the daily storms. What mysteries lie hidden among the roots and rivers? This captivating adventure invites young explorers to uncover the wonders of nature, blending education with the magic of discovery. Perfect for curious minds eager to learn about the diverse creatures and enchanting landscapes of the rainforest.

From the publisher

Part of the critically acclaimed Over and Under series! Award-winning duo Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal take readers on a thrilling tour of one of the most diverse ecosystems on planet earth: the rainforests of Central America. Discover the wonder that lies hidden among the roots, above the winding rivers, and under the emerald leaves of the rainforest. - Features animals like the slender parrot snake to the blue morpho butterfly- Explores the canopies, where toucans and pale-billed woodpeckers chatter and call- Other animals include capuchin monkeys who swing from vines and slow-moving sloths who wait out daily thunderstorms Under the canopy of the rainforest hundreds of animals make their homes, but up in the leaves hides another world. This stunning read is perfect for kids who can’t get enough of the rainforest and all the animals living in it. - Equal parts educational and beautiful, this book is perfect for parents and grandparents, as well as librarians, science teachers, and educators.- A great gift for kids who love nature, rainforests, animals, and learning more about the world- Perfect for children ages 5 to 8 years old- Add it to the shelf with books like The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer, The Animal Book by Lonely Planet Kids, and A Butterfly Is Patient by Dianna Aston.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 48
Words: 623
Reading age: 4–9
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD810L

Themes & topics

Books about rainforests Books about back matter Books about zoology Books about science Books about animals

The Bookroo review

What our editors thought of this book

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.

The verdict

“Absolutely transportive, this book brings the rainforest to life and invites curiosity.”

Bookroo Editorial

Reviewed August 2020

5.5/7

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

Where this book stands out

Little Genius

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

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.5

out of 7

6.0

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

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

5.5

“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.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one