WOOD DUCK SWAMP
A MAGICAL JOURNEY INTO NATURE BY BETSY SAUNDERS
ABOUT WOOD DUCK SWAMP
Wood Duck Swamp is a bird book, but it is also a book about that special relationship between grandparent and grandchild. It’s a nature book, but it is also a book about patience and about being quiet in the world. It’s a book with hidden pictures, but it is also a book about discovering that the things you seek are nearby…if only you know how to look.
The story was written many years ago after an unsuccessful attempt to see wood ducks at a local birding spot. We saw many birds, but we didn't see a
wood duck. As we walked out of the swamp, I just knew that those wood ducks had been watching us the whole time.
READERS' THOUGHTS
"To share your love of birding, read your children or grandchildren this book. Come to think of it, read them this book just because
you love them."
- Paul Aron, author of
Count the Ways: The Greatest Love Stories of Our Times
The following review appeared in the May/June issue
of Virginia Wildlife Magazine by Andrea Naccarato,
DWR production assistant.
AGES 3-8
Wood Duck Swamp
By Betsy Saunders
Illustrated by Emily Hurst Pritchett
Forthcoming in June 2026, Belle Isle Books
Betsysaunders.com or Brandylanepublishers.com
Enjoy a subtle game of hide and seek for wood ducks
as a grandfather and grandchild amble along a trail in this
adorable picture book. The place is called Wood Duck
Swamp, but where could those wood ducks be? Parents
or grandparents can read this one aloud to younger children,
who can then point to each Virginia bird that appears on the
book’s softly illustrated pages. After the story ends, readers
can learn more about the significance of swamps and the
nine birds featured in the story, including easy ways to
identify them by sight and sound. A long-time teacher,
the author shows us that there are some important lessons
that can be learned outside the classroom.
Wood Duck Swamp reminds us that we might not always
find that one bird we’re looking for, but nature never fails
to offer up unexpected gifts and gentle wisdom.
"There's always so much more going on in nature than we humans perceive. Beautiful creatures light the way on a grandchild and grandfather's quest for wood ducks. It's an excursion fully worth pursuing, whether the target bird appears. Just a few words from author Betsy Saunders and softly delightful illustrations by Emily Hurst Pritchett capture the serendipity and grace of birdwatching--with or
without a goal."
- Julie Zickefoose, Advising Editor, BWD Magazine; author, Saving Jemima: Life and Love with a Hard-luck Jay; Baby Birds: An Artist Looks into the Nest; The Bluebird Effect; Letters from Eden
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Betsy Saunders’ love of nature began as a child when she spent long peaceful days with her father, immersed in the sights and sounds of rivers, woods and swamps. During 40 plus years as a teacher, she looked forward to seeing the joy on children’s faces as they explored the world outside the classroom. But over the years, she noticed that children were growing further and further removed from the natural world. She believes that today’s children can still find the wonders of nature, if they simply go outside, wait quietly and watch carefully.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Emily Hurst Pritchett grew up in western New York and has loved to draw and paint all her life. She studied illustration at Brigham Young University. She loves to read books for kids, and grown-ups, sing, dance and play video games.She currently lives abroad in Colombia with her husband and two children. You can find more about Emily at her website: www.emilypritchettart.com.
No events are scheduled at this time. I'll post information here when I know more.
Look for a review of the book in on the website's Media and Reviews page. This review by Andrea Narccarato appeared in the May/June issue of Virginia Wildlife Magazine.
CONTACT
For any media inquiries, please contact author Betsy Saunders:
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