Ponds can be formed in many ways— by the forces of nature, by man and by some animals. No matter how the pond was built or formed, all kinds of plants and animals will make it their home.

A pond is a food factory and restaurant, open 24 hours a day. Pond water contains more living things than you would ever imagine—from tiny plankton to large turtles. The marvelous thing about pond life is the way plants and animals depend on one another and how all depend on the sun, water, air and soil.

In the Junior Science Book of Pond Life, Alexander Crosby writes about his own pond and the creatures who live there—insects, fish, frogs, birds, muskrats, snakes, turtles and salamanders. Some, like the water measurer have unusual ways of protecting themselves. Some are shy and seldom seen. Others, such as the mallard ducks, are quite tame. Each has interesting and often funny habits. 

You don't have to go to Mr. Crosby's pond to see all the plants and animals described in the book. Many of them can be found in ponds near your home.

From the dust jacket