By Grace Lin and Ranida T. McKneally
Charlesbridge Publishing
www.charlesbridge.com
85 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617-926-0329
This oversized hardcover book is ideal for early to middle elementary-age students. It does a terrific job of including "lessons" on different science-based topics without being heavy-handed. The theme of the book is the seasons of the year, and topics related to each season are covered (e.g., "Why do leaves change color?" "What is snow?")
Each topic is presented on two facing pages. One page is delightfully illustrated and includes a haiku introducing the topic. The other page asks the question and proceeds to answer it in a clear, concise manner that is never condescending but yet is on a level children can absorb. There are also general pages covering such things as "Why do we have seasons?" and "Does everyone have four seasons?" There is a glossary of some of the less-familiar terms used throughout the book.
This would be a great addition to a unit study on seasons (or even poetry given the liberal use of haiku). The price of $15.95 seems very reasonable for a high-quality hardcover children's book. Not only did my younger children enjoy the pictures in this volume, but they were learning important science facts at the same time.
Product review by Melanie Bunnett, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, November 2006
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