The pond’s cycle begins – naturally enough – in early spring. Mallards hatch, butterflies flit, and herons, snakes, bats, and other pond denizens go about their lives. Deep in winter, as the book ends, turtles burrowed in mud on the bottom of the pond are dreaming of spring.

Gentle watercolours by two-time Governor-General’s Award-winner Ann Blades sometimes take the form of a panorama, sometimes a compilation of small scenes and carefully observed details. Each two-page spread focuses on a species that has managed to survive in proximity to human habitation and so will be familiar to most children.

Pond Seasons introduces the concepts of natural cycles and niches in the food chain. As well, it celebrates the wonder of a small corner of the world, rich with life and beauty, and so far undisturbed by bulldozers or jet skis. We watch the spectacular birth of 20 garter snakes and, in a charming night scene, see a baby bat hitching a ride as its mother makes insect raids through the sky. The natural world is portrayed as benign and tranquil – only in winter do we meet inclement weather, and even then the animals are safe and warm in the beaver lodge beneath the snow. The discerning child, however, will note that the hero of one page may become dinner on the next.

The fit between the verse text and illustrations is good. Alderson’s poems, where she coins new words in phrases like “See the wingrush/feel the windrush” and uses abstract words like “complete,” are sophisticated for two-year-olds (the low end of the suggested age range), but the pictures, context, and onomatopoeic language help in bridging gaps. Older children with a literary bent may find inspiration in the way Alderson plays and paints with words and rhythm.