Poetry Friday: A Kick in the Head (by Paul B. Janeczko)

In honor of Poetry Friday, I am highlighting A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms by Paul B. Janeczko.   Check out other Poetry Friday posts at The Opposite of Indifference. 

Overview and Review:

A Kick in the Head  highlights works from well-known poets like Ogden Nash, William Shakespeare, and William Blake as well as lesser known writers like Bobbi Katz, Gary Soto, and Joan Bransfield Graham.   The book begins with depicting (and defining) line groupings—couplet, tercet, and quatrain—in poetry. Twenty-six different types of poems are included from the simple—haiku, limerick, and cinquain—to the more complex—ode, sonnet, and villanelle.  Brief definitions are in small print on the corresponding pages.  The back of the book includes more details on each poetic form.  A few of my favorites are “Back to School Blues,” “Ode to Pablo’s Tennis Shoe,” and “Is there a Villain in Your Villanelle.”  Many of the poems are whimsical and humorous.  Here are a couple examples:

Senryu by Kristine O’Connell George

First day, new school year,

backpack harbors a fossil…

last June’s cheese sandwich.   

“Epitaph for a Book Editor” by J. Patrick Lewis

Miss Spelling’s

Exclamation points

Were myriad!!!

She lived on

The margin.

And died.

Period.

A Kick in the Head is an entertaing read.  Parents and educators may want to use it to introduce poetry to youngsters or as a spring board for children to experiement with creating poems of their own. 

Picture Book: Grace for President (by Kelly Dipucchio)

Summary of Grace for President: 

One September morning Mrs. Barrington rolls out a big poster with all the presidents’ pictures.   Grace Campbell is stunned!  She wants to know:  Where are all the girls?!    Mrs. Barrington informs her that the country has never had a female president.  After stewing over that fact for a while, Grace informs the class that she wants to be president!  Many laugh at her suggestions, but her teacher encourages her enthusiasm by proposing they have their own presidential election at the school.  Nobody seems eager to challenge Grace, so she thinks it is going to be easy to get elected. The next day (in the name of democracy) Mrs. Barrington invited another class to be a part of the election process.  To Grace’s dismay, Thomas Cobb is nominated.  He is the spelling bee champion, winner of the blue ribbon in science, and the captain of the soccer team!  She realizes that winning the presidency is going to be a challenge.  The students in the two classes each represent a different state/number of electoral votes.  Both Grace and Thomas run their campaigns differently to win the majority of the electoral votes.  It looks like Thomas is shoo-in to win.  The election comes down to one vote!

Evaluation: 

Grace for President, by author Kelly Dipucchio, smoothly blends fact and fiction.   Grace observes that men have ruled the office, so she sets out to change things in her own way.  On a small scale, the school election reflects the real electoral process.  Each candidate campaigns with posters and promises, but one goes the extra mile by organizing a beautification committee and volunteering in the cafeteria.  They calculate the electoral votes to see who is ahead in the polls.  On Election Day, the “states” call out their votes while the candidates watch the electoral votes being added up.  This book is an ideal introduction or set for teaching children about the election process.  

The illustrations, by LeUyen Pham, are appealing.  They assist in capturing the excitement of the election activities.  The final page shows a woman (assumed to be Grace) being sworn in at the front of the capital building, instilling that dreams can come true if we work consistently toward them.  Grace is an amiable protagonist who possesses admirable character qualities.  She works diligently and consistently to promote positive change in her school. She spends much of her time working a long side her classmates and learning about their concerns.  Not only does the book prompt a general discussion on character but it also models the qualities real elected officials should possess.  Students should delve into that issue in a class or home discussion.  Grace for President a superb resource as you study elections, voting, government, or character.  

Picture Books (Science) Bees

 

Writing Non-Fiction for Children is hosting Non-Fiction Monday this week.  Click HERE to check out the other great posts.   

Bees are fascinating creatures.  It amazes me how they work together in their flourishing colony in perfect harmony—each bee with its own role, from caregiver to honey hunter.  When I study a topic like bees, it affirms for me the existence of an intelligent and imaginative creator.   It makes me more in awe of Him. 

In school, science felt boring and seemed abstract.  Picture books, though, foster an interest and provide concrete models foundational for later scientific study.  Even if you have “older” children, check out some picture books to go along with a school or home study.  You might just find a new level of enthusiasm! 

The Honey Bee’s Hive: A Thriving City (ages 8 and up) by Joyce Markovics 

I have enjoyed several books in the Spectacular Animal Towns series by Bearport publishing.  Like the others, The Honey Bee’s Hive reveals the mysteries of the bees with amazing, vibrant photographs and captivating text.  The essential role of the honey bee is set up with an anecdote and pictures of bees being brought in to pollinate almond trees in California to help ensure an abundant crop.   Moving into the general information, readers learn about their habitat, home, and communication as well as the process of changing nectar into honey.  One of the most intriguing sections is the life cycle of these insects.  Photographs of the bees from egg to developing pupae accompany the well-written text.   Rounding out the book, a brief look into the dangers that threaten bees.  The Honey Bee’s Hive:  A Thriving City is my top pick for resources on the topic. 

Watch It Grow: Bee (ages 5 and up) Barrie Watts  

With eye-catching original photographs and straightforward text, Watch It Grow Bee focuses primarily on the life-cycle of the insect.  Readers watch as the bees grow from egg to adult.  Several key areas of the adult bee’s life are shown, such as looking for food, pollinating flowers, storing the food, and sustaining the colony.  The large font and straightforward text is perfect for early readers who are becoming comfortable reading multiple sentences on a page.    

World of Insects: Honey Bees (ages 3-7) by Colleen Sexton 

World of Insects:  Honey Bees offers a basic look at the insect.  The first section focuses on the parts of the bee while the second illustrates bees collecting nectar and pollinating flowers.  The process of changing nectar to honey is mentioned but not described in detail.   Each page has a large, dazzling photograph to accompany 1-2 sentences of text.  This Blast Off! Reader can be used as an introduction for preschoolers and/or an early reader for older children.  

Honorable Mention

Bees and Their Hives (ages 3-7) by Linda Tagliaferro

Each two-page spread has 1-2 simple sentences and one large photograph.  A snapshot glimpse into building a hive and the workings of it are depicted. Like World of Insects:  Honey Bees, Bees and Their Hives, it can be used as an introduction for preschoolers or as an early reader. 

Picture Books: The Story of Easter (non-fiction)

In honor of Easter, I have three non-fiction selections about the origins of the holiday.   Each book has something a little different to offer.  The First Easter is a great initial book for young children.  In The Story of Easter, I learned about the connection of bunnies and eggs to the holiday.  Finally, Jesus brings Christ’s life in full color and grandeur while using the words of the Scriptures.

The First Easter (ages 0-6) by Lois Rock 

Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Pentecost, The First Easter covers the highlights of Jesus’ final week and the launch of the Christian church after his ascension.   The main points of the narrative are included, using straightforward language for young listeners.  The juvenile cartoon illustrations are delightful and suitable for the target audience.  The First Easter offers an understandable introduction to basis of this key holiday and of the Christian faith.

The Story of Easter (ages 6-10) by Aileen Fisher  

A concise but faithful narrative of Jesus’ life and final week is the focal point.   The Story of Easter goes on to explain how non-biblical traditions became part of the holiday.  For instance, because Easter Sunday takes place in the spring, other seasonal traditions were incorporated into it by ancient and medieval people.  The egg, for instance, was the symbol of new life in the ancient world.  It was the custom to give eggs as gifts during spring festivals, and they are a ritual food eaten in the Passover.  Various cultures decorated eggs, which is how the Easter egg came to be.  Bunnies, also, became part of the Easter tradition because they represent new life, a crucial aspect of Christianity and spring.  Other customs are also briefly described.

Jesus (ages 6 and up) by Gennady Spirin  

This selection is not specifically about Easter.  Passages of the King James Bible are beautifully illustrated in paintings that combine “both stylized and realistic features and iconic symbolism typical of the early Renaissance artists.”  The specifics covered in the text are:  His birth, His baptism, His boyhood experience in the temple, His temptation, His first miracle, the Sermon on the Mount, His transfiguration, raising of Lazarus from the dead, the last supper, His crucifixion, His resurrection, and His ascension.  The stunning illustrations and the brief overview of Christ’s life make this book an ideal read during the Easter holiday by believers wanting to remember His life and sacrifice or unbelievers who desire to learn about the holiday or figure. 

Picture Book (Science): Meet the Planets (by John McGranaghan)

Summary of Meet the Planets:    

Coming to you live from the Milky Way, Pluto (former ninth planet) emcees the first ever Favorite Planet Competition.   Pluto begins by introducing the inner plants—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.  These solid, rocky planets are closest to the sun.  Who is your favorite?  The fastest planet—Mercury?  The brightest one—Venus?  The “mother” of life—Earth?  OR The red-faced planet, named after the god of war—Mars?  Next up, the outer plants—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.  These gaseous planets have their own rings!  The question is:  Does one of them deserve to be the winner?   The largest planet—Jupiter?  The light on his feet—Saturn?  The slanted one—Uranus?  The beautiful blue planet—Neptune?  The judges cannot come to a decision.  So that means that YOU will decide the Favorite!

Evaluation:

Author John McGranaghan creatively introduces readers to the planets in the Milky Way using the competition framework. The fast-paced text offers up an intriguing glimpse into the unfathomable world of outer space.  Captivated readers will be eager to learn more about space and the Greek mythology references.  The imaginative illustrations by Laurie Allen Klein depict astronomers, scientist, mathematicians, and other historical figures related to the study of space.  She cleverly incorporates famous works of art and historical objects.  Sylvan Dell’s across the curriculum teaching guide identifies all the figures and connections, prompting research and learning opportunities.  There are so many layers to this book that each time through can be a new experience, depending on the level, age, and interest of the participants.  Meet the Plants is an out of this world journey through space and learning. 

For more excellent teaching opportunities, check out the Sylvan Dell’s teaching guide and book page.    

Picture Book (Science): Deep in the Desert (by Rhonda Lucas Donald)

Summary of Deep in the Desert: 

Poems are set to familiar nursery rhyme and song tunes to reveal the wonders and secrets of desert life.  Readers learn about less commonly known animals, such as the javelin, tarkawara, thorny devil, and Gila monster.  The wonderful poetic text, set to favorite childhood songs creates an engaging reading experience that will not soon be forgotten.  Who can forget “I’m a Little Teapot” after reciting it a few times?   Children will remember how a javelin looks and lives after reciting these poetic lines to the same tune:

I’m a javelin, short and stout.

Here are my hooves, and here is my snout.

I will eat cactus, not a trout.

It’s a desert life for me, no doubt. 

The following lyrics to the poem describe his predator, his survival mechanism, his noises, and more. More familiar animals are also covered like a meerkat, desert tortoise, fennec fox, ostrich, and camel.  The life of an ostrich is easy to recall when singing it using the tune “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly”:

There is an odd birdy that never could fly.

I wonder why the bird cannot fly.

Do you know why?

There is a fast birdy that runs on strong legs.

You can’t believe the size of its eggs.

It runs on strong legs because it can’t fly.

I wonder why the bird cannot fly. 

Do you know why?

Three additional stanzas celebrate this bird’s unique features.   Each poem in Deep in the Desert follows a similar format to illuminate how the animals survive and function in their habitat as well as to reveal the distinctive climate and vegetation of the desert.

Evaluation:

Rhonda Lucas Donald has written an entertaining and educational book of poems.   Children are exposed to the sound of poetic words, providing opportunities to practice or to teach about rhyme (slant, eye, and true), alliteration, and onomatopoeia.  Repetitive phrases and familiar tunes prompt children to participate in reading and reciting after a few exposures to the poems.   Donald uses a variety of sentence types—declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory.  Adults should point out these marks and teach how they are read differently.  Older children can learn their names and functions.   Most of the songs blend well with the poetic words.  Parents may want to practice briefly before beginning to get the hang of it.  I was not familiar with a few of them, but tunes are not difficult to find on the Internet.  One of the best parts of Deep in the Desert is the illustrations by Sherry Neidigh.   Whether it is a sweeping view of the horizon or an up close picture of small area of ground, her detail and color choices are impeccable.  They are an essential element of the overall desert habitat experience. 

For more excellent teaching opportunities, check out the teaching guide and book’s page at the Sylvan Dell website. 

In honor of Poetry Friday, check out the other blogs highlighting poetic works at Book Aunt.

Picture Book (Science): Habitat Spy (by Cynthia Kieber-King)

Summary of Habitat Spy:  

This tour begins in a backyard on the East Coast and journeys to 13 different habitats until reaching the Pacific Ocean.  Children will explore other diverse places, such as meadow, pond, forest, river, swamp, cave, bog, plains, mountains, desert, and beach.  The text on each page follows the same format—a short rhyming invitation to discover a new, exciting place.  Here are a couple samples: 

Let’s spy in the cave…

algae spread,

spiders knit,

swallows nest,

bats flit.

Let’s spy in the desert…

saguaros prick,

scorpions sneak,

cactus wrens poke,

foxes peek.

Cynthia Kieber-King’s text identifies only a few of the incredible plants, animals, and insects on the 2-page spread, allowing for the readers to discover many on their own.  (The Sylvan Dell’s Teacher Guide for the book provides a master list.)  All the habitats are fluttering and swimming with life.  In the bog, a turtle emerges from the water and a duck forages for food while on the plains bison are grazing and butterflies are flitting.   Each time through the book, readers (and observers) will find new things to discover and to discuss.

Evaluation:

Christina Wald has done a remarkable job replicating the incredible plants and creatures in their native environments. The picturesque illustrations draw readers into each habitat where they can count and identify the living things.  Young children can practice sorting animals into categories, such as those with fur or with feathers and ones that fly or crawl.  Habitat Spy, along with the teaching guide, offers opportunities to teach older students about invertebrates and vertebrates (reptiles, birds, mammals, fish, and amphibians).  The pleasurable text is primarily made up of nouns and verbs.  Children can learn about these parts of speech and create their own text following the format provided (as seen in book samples above).  Use the book as a spring board to begin to observe and to record observations in outdoor places.  Take a journal to a park, a lake, or a wooded area.  Talk, draw, and write about your surroundings.  Habitat Spy is an outstanding introduction into the study of habitats.  It is sure to take inquisitiveness and learning to new heights. 

For more excellent teaching opportunities, check out the teaching guide and book’s page at the Sylvan Dell website. 

Picture Book (Science): Big Cat, Little Kitty (Scotti Cohn)

Summary of Big Cat, Little Kitty:   

Travel around the globe to seven lively habitats to watch and learn about the big cats of the world!  These ferocious predators have a lot in common with their domesticated relative—the house cat.  Author Scotti Cohn sets up a day by day comparison of their habits, such as hunting, pouncing, running, and climbing.  For instance, on Monday an alert tiger chases a gibbon up a tree while an observant little kitty runs a spider off her porch. 

The same pattern is continued for the seven days of the week.  On each page a native animal to the habitat asks the same questions:

“Who are you?” asks a warthog.  “And whose savannah is this?”

The big cat purrs, “I am cheetah, and this is MY savannah.”

The following pages modify the pattern slightly:

“Who are you?” asks a mouse. “And whose house is this?”

The little kitty purrs, “I am Chessie, and this is MY house.”

This fun question and answer structure invites listener participation and memorization which lends itself to choral reading.  The two worlds come together on the final page when a bobcat wanders into the habitat of a cat and dog who warn her to leave their backyard immediately.  The bobcat bounds back to her own territory but not without a scream, to give them a little scare.  

Evaluation:

Cohn does a superb job paralleling the lives of wild and domesticated cats.  She offers an ideal opportunity to discuss or to illustrate with a chart (for older children) how they are similar and how they differ.  The author also naturally incorporates in the text days of the week and times of day, providing a springboard for learning for younger children.   The repetitive, pattern text creates a quick familiarity with the action, prompting children to anticipate and participate in future rereading.  Both are foundational literacy skills.  Finally, the text includes some similes adults can identify and explain.  Adult readers can create (and illustrate) similes with their class or children.  Artist Susan Detwiler stunningly illustrates the various habitats—savannah, jungle, snowy mountains, desert, woods, and forests—in vivid color and detail.  Similarly, each domesticated cat is imaginatively shown in a comparable environment or situation.  Whether in the wild or in the home, this book depicts big and little kitties alike as magnificent, self-reliant, and poised creatures.  Big Cat, Little Kitty is a rollicking pounce around the globe.

As with all of Sylvan Dell’s picture books, there are activity pages in the back of the book, an across the curriculum teacher’s guide, and other resources at their website.

Picture Book (Science): The Glaciers are Melting (by Donna Love)

Summary of The Glaciers are Melting: 

As Peter Pika sticks his head out of the rock entrance to his home, a drop of water falls on his head.  Just as Chicken Little is convinced the sky is falling when an apple falls on his head, Peter Pika is sure the glaciers are melting when he feels that drop.  The little pika ventures off to find the Mountain Monarch to ask him what they should do.  As he journeys, many friends join him—Tammy Ptarmigan, Sally Squirrel, Mandy Marmot, and Harry Hare.  Each of the five friends is fearful of how the glaciers’ melting will affect them.  While they are resting, Wiley Wolverine sneaks out from behind the rocks and convinces them they are going the wrong way.  Before the Wiley Wolverine traps them in his lair, the Mountain Monarch comes to the animals’ rescue.  Unfortunately, he cannot help them stop the glaciers from melting. 

Evaluation:

Donna Love cleverly uses the Chicken Little story framework to bring to the surface a genuine environmental threat.  After the Mountain Monarch reveals to the animals they cannot do anything to stop the glaciers from melting, Peter Pika delivers the final question: “But who?”  Parents and teachers can use it as an opportunity to discuss ways humans can make more responsible choices, such as recycling, carpooling, and turning unnecessary lights off.  The striking pictures (which I can't help but keep looking at over and over again) by Shennen Bersani illustrate the arctic habitat and the creatures who live there—many of which are not familiar animals to young children.  Using the resources provided by Sylvan Dell as well as Internet and library ones, children can research with their parents and learn more about these threatened animals and their habitat.  As you read together, discuss the alliteration in all the names (same beginning sound).  Brainstorm other words or find ones in the book with the same beginning sound.  Use a Venn Diagram to compare/contrast Chicken Little to The Glaciers are Melting!  Children can also participate in choral reading as key phrases are repeated in the text.  The appealing characters, vivid pictures, and familiar framework make this book ideal for children ages 3-9. 

As with all of Sylvan Dell’s picture books, there are activity pages in the back of the book, an across the curriculum teacher’s guide, and other resources at their website.  Also, Teacher Bits and Bobs has a beautiful Arctic Life:  Math and Literacy Centers unit.


For other books on arctic animals highlighted on Books4Learning, click HERE.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Authors (Picture Book)

The Broke and the Bookish hosts Top Ten Tuesday.  Since it is Top Ten Tuesday Rewind, I decided to write about my favorite authors, specifically picture book ones.  I hope you will be inspired to check out some new authors.  Click on the authors' names for their sites or book lists.

1.      Karma Wilson.   I was so charmed by Bear Feels Sick,  I set out to read all of her books which I accomplished with the exception of the Calico series.   Her adorable characters, rhythmic text, and humor make nearly every book a homerun! 

2.     Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.  I have read several of her books on science topics.  She does an outstanding job breaking down concepts so that preschool age children will understand them.  Her narrative frameworks, plots, and characters are highly appealing to youngsters.

3.     David Shannon.  He has created many memorable characters—David, Fergus, Alice--and creative situations—catching stripes,  a duck on a bike, and pirates changing diapers.  Every book is a humorous delight. 

4.     Melanie Watt.  Chester became an instant hit in my house!  We found the books at the library one afternoon.  Since then, I have bought all of them.  The whole family finds them entertaining.  My son even has his own Chester voice/persona he brings out to make us laugh. Her Scaredy Squirrl series is also a lot of fun.  

5.     Harry Allard.  I grew up with the classic Miss Marshall series.  They are favorites of my children too. 

6.     Eric Carle.  His books were the staple of my children’s childhood.  They loved Brown Bear, Brown Bear, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, and The Mixed Up Chameleon. 

7.     Chris Van Allsburg.   His illustrations are always stunning.  His narratives are thought-provoking, ironic, and original.  I have read most of his books several times to myself and to my children. 

8.     Tomie dePaola.  Like Van Allsburg, his illustrations are amazing and his story telling provocative.   His legends have a spiritual and reverend quality.  

9.     Steven Kellogg. His illustrations are detailed and energetic.   I love his creative storytelling and rabuctious characters.  From his tall tales to his original accounts, he always has an entertaining story to share. 

10.  Dr. Seuss.  What favorite picture book list is complete without him?  I grew up reading his books.  My children learned to read using his books.  A childhood is incomplete without One Fish, Two Fish, The Cat in the Hat, and The Lorax.  

Like Giveaways?  Click HERE for the Current Giveaways at Books4Learning.

Blog Tour Stop: Compost Stew (Book Review and Giveaway)

Summary:

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth sets out to create environmental chefs with its tempting recipe for Compost Stew!  Children of both genders and multiple cultural backgrounds recite and illustrate the ingredients from A-Z.  Periodically, the listing is broken up with this fun chorus: 

Just add to the pot

and let it all rot

into Compost Stew.

After the ingredients are all added, moistened, tossed lightly, and covered, it must brew for a while.   When the stew is complete, the Earth will have a dark, rich treat! 

Evaluation:

The text by Mary McKenna Siddals is educational and entertaining.  I love its rhythm.    It has a great natural energy and flow.  Here is a sample:

Grass clippings

Hair snippings

And an Insect or two

Jack-o-lanterns

Kitchen scraps

Laundry lint

   from dryer traps     

Artist Ashley Wolff creates fitting visuals using gouache and collage along with recycled materials, such as newspapers, cloth, leaves, pictures, bugs, and much more!   The vibrant and dramatic illustrations are textured and multi-dimensional.   Parent and classroom educators can use the art as a spring board for kids to create their own collages using materials from around the house or class.  Young and old will be enticed into looking at this book over and over again for the liveliness and detail on each page.   

The target audience is ages 3-8.  Preschoolers will love practicing their alphabet with Compost Stew:  An A to Z Recipe for the Earth.  They will also learn to identify the words and pictures of several everyday items (tea bags, bread crusts, grass clippings) as well as some potentially new ones (laundry lint, seaweed strands, quarry dust).  Also, opportunities to practice identifying rhyme and alliteration (same beginning sounds) are offered in the text.  Older children will benefit from learning how to recycle food and plant waste in a manner that is both socially responsible and environmentally beneficial. 

I am thrilled to have Compost Stew:  An A to Z Recipe for the Earth in my home library. 

NonFiction Monday: Seeds! Seeds! Seeds!

I never realized that studying seeds could be so fascinating—until now!  I am learning and reviewing a lot about this fascinating subject.   Here are the Top Five Seed Books:

Seeds! Seeds! Seeds!  (ages 3-7) by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace 

One March morning, Buddy (a bunny) receives a package from his grandfather.  There are five sealed bags inside with instructions to open one each day.  The activities teach Buddy to sort and label seeds, to identify the stages of plant growth from a seed, to create a bird feeder, to make a picture frame with seed decorations, and to grow a plant from a seed.  Author Nancy Elizabeth Wallace always does an outstanding job explaining scientific information in a manner that is engaging and understandable to young children.  Buddy’s daily activities are sure to inspire parents and teachers to create their own fun seed exploration ideas.  Teaching Opportunities:  Seeds, Sorting, Art, Plant Growth

Oh Say Can You Seed?  (ages 3-8) by Bonnie Worth  

Using characters and rhyming text made popular by Dr. Seuss, children learn all about seeds and plants.   The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, and Thing 2 teach two children (a boy and a girl) about the parts of a seed, or baby plant.  Next, they watch as a seed begins to grow into a plant.   Next, the parts of a full grown plant are identified and labeled along with types of roots and their purpose.  The amusing trio even covers photosynthesis and pollination in an easy, comprehendible manner.  The playful rhyming text is ideal for young listeners and early readers.  Teaching Opportunities:  Rhyme, Seeds, Plant Growth, Plant Parts, Pollination, Photosynthesis

Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move (ages 3-9) by JoAnn Early Macken  

Flip, Float, Fly:  Seeds on the Move illustrates various types of seeds using beautiful pictures and fun language.  The text and illustrations reveal how seeds move so they may sprout and flourish in new locations.  The importance of animals, insects, water, and weather in seed travel and growth is impressed upon the reader.  Using energetic words and onomatopoeia, the life of a seed comes across as exciting and invigorating.  For instance, we learn:  “The seed straightens out when it rains.  WIGGLE!  Jump! One way, then another.  It works its way into the ground.” All those action verbs are perfect for learning about verbs or may inspire your youngsters to act out the transformation of the seed.  Teaching Opportunities:  Seeds, Onomatopoeia, Verbs, Alliteration

A Seed is Sleepy (ages 6 and up) by Dianna Hutts Aston 

This selection uses a unique format to teach about seeds.  Each two-page spread is a different characteristic about seeds—secretive, adventurous, fruitful, inventive, and so forth.   In short paragraphs, readers learn how seeds fulfill the descriptive words.   Many less commonly known ones are illustrated in vibrant colors, such as the papaya, Texas Mountain Laurel, swamp palm, Japanese maple, and milkweed.   In addition, there are growth charts for several different seeds.  Teaching Opportunities:  Seeds, Adjectives, Plant Growth

Seeds (ages 6 and up) by Ken Robbins  

Fruit, plant, tree, flower, and weed seeds are all highlighted in this book with stunning photography of vibrant plants.   I learned about some items I did not realize were seeds such as sticktights, coconuts, and wheat.  The short, tidbits of text reveal how seeds move and grow.  From the mysterious lotus flower to the common oak tree, readers will learn about the diversity and movement of seeds.  Teaching Opportunities:  Seeds, Plant Growth

Honorable Mention
Plant Fruits & Seeds (ages 3-8) by David M. Schwartz
Using visual and written clues, readers guess seed types and learn additional facts about them.  Plant Fruits & Seeds is fun and interactive.

Check out all the blogs participating in Non-Fiction Monday HERE.