(easy,picture) This book was so descriptive with its' text and illustrations it brought back memories for me. Memories of times where I have been in a field or on a beach and could just sit- sit and watch the clouds or sit and hear palm leaves on a palm tree shudder in the wind. I could imagine the pine needles rustling and heard them in my mind when Parnell describes it. Illustrations are presented in the viewpoint of the boy lying down and creates an unusual perspective. I really loved this book. It left me with a sense of peacefulness, well-being and full of memories. An activity to do with children would be to practice being "quiet". Something we all know they could use help on sometimes! Have the children lay down on mats, dim the lights, and for a prescribed time, have them be quiet. Have them close their eyes. When done, have them verbalize what sounds they heard or they could draw what they think they heard. This would be fun to do in a park as well. If you were reading this book in a park with children, you could also bring bread cubes or the like to feed the park critters. ( )