November 1, 2016
K-Gr 3-Well-designed text pages allow less able readers to understand key concepts by focusing on the sentence in large type, while older (or more fluent) readers can gain additional information from supporting sentences in smaller type. Accompanying photos reinforce the sequential structure of the developmental process. Among the more striking are of the transformation from egg through larva and pupa stages in Ladybug and Honeybee. These top choices would work well for compare-and-contrast exercises. The other "egg books" could support discussions of similarities among bird, insect, and reptile development. Of the animal selections, Joey to Kangaroo is strongest, with amazing close-up photos of the growing joey. Most disappointing is Seed to Strawberry, which not only begins with a growing plant but doesn't mention where seeds can be found on mature fruit.
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2017
A clean design and clear texts make these books accessible if slight nonfiction choices. Four- to five-sentence "chapters" follow the basics of a gardening project (Garden; Compost) or a specific plant's life cycle (Strawberry; Sunflower). Large, appealing stock photographs feature a diverse group of people working or enjoying the fruits and vegetables they have nurtured. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
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