Sarah C. Campbell

science picture book. engaging photos and informational text about a lesser-known (but still deadly!) predator. Read this one (paraphrasing some of the text to make it shorter) to a mixed-grade (2nd-6th) afterschool center--about 6-8 of the kids were really interested; the rest of the kids were fairly well engaged and thinking about the questions I posed to them throughout the reading (and we all wanted to see the wolfsnail find and devour its prey.) So not a super duper crowd pleaser like show more some of the raucously funny picture books out there, but an interesting STEM-y book that can be shared to encourage quieter reflection. show less

"Growing Patterns" was simple but explanatory. It started off showing flower petals and asking the reader to count them in each picture. It then went on to explain that the flowers were following a specific pattern called the Fibonacci numbers which start 1,1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 13. It explained the process for following the pattern with clear visuals. The book then segued into finding the Fibonacci numbers in spirals found in nature such as pinecones and pineapples. This spiral was a way to show more introduce the Fibonacci numbers creating a spiral which follows the numbers and grows similar to the Golden Spiral. It really goes to show that math is everywhere we look! show less

If I were teaching math at *any* level from K-12, I would have this in my classroom, along with Campbell's other math-related books. Not perfect, but an excellent introduction, and also a companion to more in-depth explorations. Don't miss the back matter.

Quick! Name me a book that:

is nonfiction
is a great read-aloud for preschool through 2nd grade
is all about science
has amazing photographs
and is also an easy reader.

Stumped? Well, until now there was really only one book I've found that fit the description: Sarah & Richard Campbell's Wolfsnail. Imagine my delight when I opened my mail a few weeks ago and discovered that this team has done it again. This time, they've created a book that explains Fibonacci numbers in nature.

I am not a math show more person (well, except algebra and chemistry, but that was just b/c I like formulas). Somehow, I totally missed the Fibonacci numbers when I was studying math and never quite figured out what they were. Now I know.

This book uses exquisite photographs and perfectly chosen text to explain the concept of patterns in nature, specifically Fibonacci numbers, in such a way that even a kindergartener can understand. Hey, I bet I could read this to PRESCHOOLERS and they would get it!

There's not too much text, it's simple enough for an easy reader; but each word is obviously perfectly chosen to explain a mathematical concept for any reader.

Verdict: This is going on my order list, into my summer reading promotions bag, and onto the list of school visit books I keep. Librarians and teachers, check this one out ASAP!

ISBN: 978-1590787526; Published March 2010 by Boyds Mills; Galley provided by publisher; Purchased for the library show less