Reanie is a shy girl. She has a new step dad whose shoulders seem to fill their small house. Afraid to disappoint him, she retreats to her room whenever Bill asks her to play. But when he invites her on a photo safari in the creek, Reanie can't resist. As the father and daughter splash through the water, they encounter many creatures. Bill teaches Reanie how to handle a camera, and her new step-dad doesn't seem so strange anymore.

Illustrated with Kim Chatel's photography, this is more than a story. It is a journey with Reanie as she finds her voice and her artistic talent. The back of the book includes 4 nonfiction pages about photography: a glossary of terms, tips on taking better pictures and historical tidbits about photography.

REVIEW

This is a warm, simple story with a quiet tone that matches its title. The photographs are beautiful and will stimulate young minds. At the end of the book there’s a glossary, interesting facts about photography, and tips on how to take great pictures. This would make a wonderful educational gift for those children who love photography and taking pictures, as well as to those who have a new step parent. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Mayra Calvani
Mayra's Secret Bookcase

EXCERPT

Bill took out their breakfast and they ate quietly. They scattered muffin crumbs on the water and watched some ducks gobble them down. Bill showed Reanie all the buttons on her camera. The shutter button was the one that took the picture. It made a loud click when she pressed it. There was also a rewind button for the film, and a dial that opened and closed the lens.

"That lets in extra light," said Bill. "Now look inside. Do you see that needle swaying back and forth?" Reanie looked inside the camera. She saw the river and the rocks, and to the left of the frame, a little black needle.

"See how the needle goes up and down when I turn the dial?" Reanie nodded. "Well, you want the needle in the middle. That means there is enough light getting to the film. So you go ahead and turn the dial until it's just right."

The camera was awkward and heavy. Reanie could have used an extra hand to hold it still and turn the dial all at the same time. But she did it. The needle was in the middle.

Just then, a duck landed with a splash right in front of her. Reanie snapped the shutter button.

"I did it!" she cried. "I did it! I took a picture!"

At the sound of her voice, the duck flew away. Bill smiled.