Lushly detailed watercolor paintings capture the the light and life within the temperate rain forest that makes up Olympic National Park in Washington state. Wright-Frierson’s conversational tone and varied page layouts give readers a sense that she’s sharing the things she observed and learned on a day-long walk through the forest, including information about the animals she sees such as slamon, slugs and elk, and the natural life cycle of the majestic trees. She occasionally adds further background information she has learned from reading books and from talking to naturalist Mike Daniels, an employe at the National Park -- the differences between a tropical and a temperate rain forest, for example, and details about life in the forest canopy and underground. (Ages 8-14)

Walk alongside an award-winning nature artist as she observes, draws, paints, and writes about the majesty of the world's largest temperate rain forest. Richly illustrated, evocative, and highly informative, this careful study is an engaging, first-hand look at an ecological treasure. CBC Not Just for Children Anymore!, 2000 CCBC Choices, 2000 John Burroughs List of Nature Books for Young Readers, 1999 New York Public Library's One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 1999 Ohio Reading Circle, 2000 Society of School Librarians International Book Award (Honor Book), 1999-2000