We haven’t reviewed children’s books before, but Doug Wechsler’s new publication, Marvels in the Muck, warrants our attention. The book is a clear, concise, and scientifically accurate portrait of the salt marshes of the Atlantic coast. Young readers are introduced to the plants and animals of the salt marsh and many of the ecological values of this remarkably productive habitat. I’ll let you in on a little naturalist’s secret: children’s books are often the ideal introductory text for adults, too. If you don’t know much about the workings of salt marshes, take half an hour to read Marvels in the Muck and you’ll learn the basics.
Wechsler’s book is targeted for upper elementary students, and the text is appropriately lively without being too cutesy. The narrative is straightforward, following the activity within a salt marsh through the seasons, beginning and ending in winter. Wechsler introduces the reader to many of the birds of this habitat, including Osprey, Brant, Clapper Rails, American Oystercatchers, and Seaside Sparrows. Each is illustrated with a fine photograph, and the feeding habits of each are clearly described. Here’s one of those instances where I learned things I didn’t know, such as the fact that Seaside Sparrows will eat small crabs and snails.
While birds are very well represented, Marvels in the Muck also describes the lives of many other marsh dwellers, including fiddler crabs, diamondback terrapins, salt marsh skippers, mummichogs, and even the salt marsh mosquito and greenhead fly. The most common plants of this habitat are also described and illustrated.
Ecological concepts are masterfully woven into the narrative. Salt marshes have long been underappreciated for their ecological values and the services they provide to human society, and Wechsler defines these values in a clear, matter-of-fact manner. It’s a great introduction to many concepts of ecology. Readers learn about how marshes protect shorelines from erosion and storm surges, and how their ecological productivity surpasses that of most other ecosystems. Other concepts presented include the impacts of DDT on bird populations, the impact of invasive plants, mortality of terrapins from road collisions, damages caused by mosquito control ditching, and problems caused by humans over-harvesting marine resources.
Marvels in the Muck is an attractive book that accurately describes the beauty and importance of our coastal salt marshes. Any student would benefit from learning about this great ecosystem from Wechsler’s book, but I have another idea for those of you who live by the shore. Buy a copy and leave it on the coffee table for your visitors to browse, and help those who don’t live near salt marshes better understand and appreciate this amazing resource.
Wechsler, Doug. Marvels in the Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes. Honesdale, PA, Boyds Mill Press, 2008. 48 pages hardcover, $17.95. ISBN: 978-1-59078-588-1.
To order a copy of a title reviewed on the Birder’s Bookshelf, please call CMBO’s Northwood Center (609)884-2736 or the Center for Research & Education (609)861-0700.