First published 2024 by Nosy Crow Ltd
Wheat Wharf, 27a Shad Thames, London SE1 2XZ, UK
Nosy Crow Eireann Ltd
44 Orchard Grove, Kenmare, Co Kerry, V93 FY22, Ireland
www.nosycrow.com
ISBN 9781 83994 077 4 (HB)
ISBN 9781 83994 078 1 (PB)
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Nosy Crow and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Nosy Crow Ltd.
Text © Moira Butterfield 2024
Illustrations © Jesús Verona 2024
The right of Moira Butterfield to be identified as the author of this work and of Jesús Verona to be identified as the illustrator of this work has been asserted.
All rights reserved
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Moira Butterfield Jesus VERONA
We’re going for a walk outside, exploring by the riverside.
Look what I found!
Two seed heads on stalks, like tiny drumsticks.
RIVER WALK
Can you also see . . . ?
One signpost
Two fish jumping
Three birds flying
There are all sorts of different plants to spot on a river path. Some of them even grow in the water.
Some trees like growing next to rivers. You might see a water-loving willow drooping its long leaves out over a riverbank.
Plantains often sprout up around paths. They have cone-shaped seed heads on long stalks. They’re fun to wave around, as if you’re drumming in a band!
Long spiky grass
Extra-tall brown bulrushes
Watch out for nettles. They are covered in tiny hairs that will sting you if you brush against them. Ouch! The stings are to stop animals eating the nettles.
Waterweed waving in the current
Flowers on plants that grow on the water
Quack, quack! A feathery friend comes bobbing round the river bend.
Look what I found! A shiny, smooth river pebble.
Can you also see . . . ?
One silvery spider’s web
Two little frogs
Three darting dragonflies
Lots of different birds live down by the river. It’s a good place for them to find tasty fish, frogs and insects.
Swans and ducks have skin stretched between their toes. This is called webbing and it makes their feet wide like paddles – perfect for swimming through the water.
Swimming birds have a layer of waterproof outer feathers to keep them dry. Hidden underneath are small fluffy feathers to keep them warm and cosy.
Swans and ducks make their nests hidden in the riverbank reeds. They hope to lay their eggs safe from hungry creatures such as foxes and badgers.
A bird with a long sharp beak for grabbing fish Kingfisher
A bird with extra-long toes that are good for walking on mud
A bird with very long legs for wading
A bird that puts its head underwater as it swims, to feed on plants and insects
Swan
Moorhen
Heron
