IN THE GREAT MEADOW Skid Crease Illustrated by Jan Thornhill Toronto, Annick Press, 1994. 30pp, paper, $15.95. Distributed by Firefly Books. CIP ISBN 1-55037-9984 (paper) $5.95, ISBN 155037-999-2 (library binding) Reviewed by Hugh A. Cook Volume 22 Number 5 1994 October Colourfully illustrated by Jan Thornhill, this is truly a delightful book. The story is about a young frog and a young snake. Each desires to see the world, and finally they convince their mothers to let them go exploring. Frog leaves the protection of the pond and journeys into the great meadow. Snake comes down from the great rocky hill and also enters the meadow. Soon they meet. Rather nervously they introduce themselves and soon are enjoying each other's company. Not until they return to their respective homes that evening do they discover that they are supposed to be enemies. Neither can understand why they cannot be friends, but they accept their mothers' warnings. They meet for one last time, from a safe distance, and agree not to meet again. Each is saddened by the loss of a good friend. A great story, marvellous illustrations and an excellent read-aloud book for the teacher or librarian. Kindergarten to Grade 3 / Ages 5 to 8 Hugh A. Cook in Maple, Ontario, is a retired North York librarian