LESSONS FROM NATURE    Many of us feel disconnected from nature, wishing for a quiet moment to observe, to share insights with youngsters. That's why we visit zoos so often, I suspect.    The transcendental lessons that Emily Dickinson shares so well, the simple stunning lessons from nature that we all crave are hard to find on television. You have to be out in the world to discover them, or read about them in exquisite picture books like Frog by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Jane Browne, (McElderry Books, $17.00) and Crows: Strange and Wonderful by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Bob Marstall (Boyds Mills, $15.95 due in September 2002). In Frog, a little boy afraid to swim saves a frog who has fallen in the pool. The short text reminds us that each of us at some time is a beginner at swimming in the pool of life, and need lessons from nature. Its realistic illustrations make this book a surprisingly metaphorical story, almost zen-like in its embedded message: watch and learn.    In Crows, the young reader learns that these common birds have language skills and intelligence, as well as a social fabric that includes mob justice and gang-like behavior. Everyone over the age of ten will make the connection between crow behavior and playground bullies, with some ensuing discussion of the ramifications. In addition to learning how crows play and care for their young (you never see baby crows!) you will learn their defense against owls and even how they execute rogue crows.    Taking the time to read these books before you head out into the real world with kids is just one way to help them learn about this magnificent world and its many lessons for us and our youngsters. ~~~~~~~~~ Gwynne Spencer lives on a farm which she shares with crows,frogs, deer and a bear. She is author of What's Cooking in Children's Literature, Recipes for Reading and Have Talent Will Travel, all from Linworth Publishing. She can be reached at pengwynnes@aol.com where you can request a copy of 100 Books Every Kid Ought to Own. Reviews Crows! Strange and Wonderful Laurence Pringle Illustrated by Bob Marstall    If I had not seen the crows in our area at work doing some of the very things that Pringle describes, I probably would not have believed it was possible. These birds are amazing. They can and do work together and they obviously communicate and have a complex language--they can even mimic human sounds. I have seen them take a tied garbage bag and work together to get it untied so they can sift through the contents looking for tasty morsels. In one spread Pringle depicts the members of the crow or Corvidae family which includes rooks, jackdaws, magpies and jays. When eggs are incubated and babies hatched, older members of the family help with feeding and care. Crows will also form a group based on a specific call and "mobbing" begins. In this way they work together to chase away an enemy. While crows can damage crops they also consume tons of insects and worms that would also destroy crops. Crows use tools and have been known to copy human behavior such as pulling up fishing lines to eat the bait or the catch. Readers of all ages are bound to find something intriguing in this book about the amazing, highly adaptable and intelligent bird known as the common crow. 2002, Boyds Mills Press, $15.95. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot. ISBN: 1-56397-899-7 Frog Susan Cooper Illustrations by Jane Browne    Little Joe was the only one in his family who couldn't swim. Everyone laughed at him because all he could do was splash around. One day a very small frog from a pond not far away hopped into Little Joešs swimming pool. Joe's mother, his sister, and his brother tried unsuccessfully to get the frog out. When they left the pool, Little Joe watched the frog for awhile, then gently lifted him out of the water and set him on the way back to his safe pond home. Then Little Joe got into the pool, kicked with his legs, just as the frog did, and swam across the pool. This gentle tale whose illustrations feature lots of watery blues and a realistic boy and frog delighted at least one little boy the day before his first swimming lesson. Although this is a striking departure from Ms. Cooperšs award-winning books featuring ghosts and boggarts, it should have an equally strong appeal for its intended audience. 2002, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster Children's Book Publishing Division, Ages 4 to 8, $17.00. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley ISBN: 0-689-84302-X To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 8/7/02