Walk a green path

Lewin, Betsy.  1995. Walk a green path.  New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.  ISBN 0688134254

Plot:

This intriguing picture book takes you through a adoring journey with the beauty of nature.  The pictures envelops the individual to imagine where each plant takes you.  An awareness of nature gives us an imaginary garden, seen only, by the reader.  The beauty of each plant is greatly appreciated by those who love gardening.  It is though we are time traveling to view each specimen and finding beauty with nature.  It is quite mysterious when you read the book because the tone seems to having a lingering quality, as if, you are waiting for the next plant bloom to arrive.

Critical analysis:

The characters of the book are a variety of plants that are seemingly described by the author.  Her point of view is finding breathtaking views of something so simplistic and beautiful. 

The setting is somewhat elusive as the author makes several references of locations from around the world.  There is not a clear location to the plants as described in the book only a brief reference to a possible location.  One has to use their imagination to find such beauty within each plant.     Imagery is used to convey a thought process.  The author writes with an enthusiastic tone to surround the reader into a tranquil environment.

The theme seems to stem from the love of  nature, plants, and environment.  The positive tone to the book carries throughout and it seems, as if, we are sitting right next to the plant, itself.

The author conveys messages like a symphony of music, relaxing and enjoying what is around us.  The book is remarkably written well and the effect of the water colored pictures give a soothing tone.  

Excerpts:

From the School Library Journal: "Lewin transports viewers to lush watercolor paintings to an appreciation of the green world."

Piehl, Kathy.  Review of Walk a green path by Betsy Lewin.  School Library Journal 41(Apr 95):126. 

From Booklist: "The paintings are the most memorable part of the book, beautifully conveying a sense of Lewin's affection for growing things, both backyard and exotic."

Vender, Mary Harris.  Review of Walk a green path by Betsy Lewin.  Booklist 91(June 1995):1778. 

From Kirkus Reviews: "Lewin draws readers into a celebration of the green path with brief poetic reflections and full page watercolors of growing things encountered around the world."

Kirkus Reviews.  1995.  "Review of Walk a green path by Betsy Lewin." Accessed September 9.  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/betsy-lewin/walk-a-green-path/. 

Connections:

Other Betsy Lewin books

Chubbo's Pool ISBN 039572807X

You Can Do It!  ISBN 0823430553

Animal Snackers ISBN 0439774268

Activities for children:

Children can draw their favorite plant and write a story about the scene.

Children can plant a school garden to learn about plants.

Personal Response:

I believe the book is a great learning tool for everyone.  It gives you the idea that nature is beautiful and that you can enjoy the scenery.  The book takes you through a wonderful insight of seeing nature in its rarest form, simply by observing it.  I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys nature, gardening or a tranquil setting.