Swamper, a fictitious swamp rabbit, lives in the bottomland hardwood forest, or overflow swamp, which is a very real environment. In twelve "letters" addressed to his human friends, Swamper shares his vivid observations about life in a Louisiana swamp. With excitement and captivating detail, he explains ecological concepts such as food webs, energy flow, decomposition, and reproduction. 

While educating students about the interconnected life cycles found in a natural habitat, Swamper's firs-hand account of the richness and value of the wetlands, will also help young readers develop a deeper appreciation for this delicate ecosystem. Though written for all ages to enjoy, the content specifically aligns with life science and environmental science educations standards for 4th through 7th grades.

Naturalist and enviromental educator Amy Griffin Ouchley conducts encounters with the outdoors for students and teachers, children and adults, through workshops, field trips, and conferences, as well as programs in schools, libraries, nature centers, and museums. She received the Conservation Educator of the Year Award in 2011 from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. She lives with her husband, Kelby, in northeast Louisiana near an overflow swamp.

ISBN: 978-0-8071-5074-0

8 x 10, hardcover

72 pages, color photographs, illustrations, table of contents, glossary

Published: LSU Press, 2013