Review By JESSICA ALMY
Through poetry and illustration, Joyce Sidman and Beth Krommes explore all the diverse places — from snail shells to hibernating chipmunks — that spirals appear in the natural world in Swirl by Swirl.
This stunning book brings readers underground to woodchuck burrows, up close to observe snails, and into a torrent of ocean. While the text is simple enough for a toddler, the illustrations and endpapers of the book teem with details, certain to hold the attention of an older child (or even an adult, if you’re anything like me). We learn both that a spiral “reaches out . . . exploring the world” (presented along with images of common octopus and spiny sea horse), and also that the “number of sprial rows of florets in a sunflower — or scales on a pinecome, or bumps on a pineapple — follow a patter called the Fibonacci sequence” (in the end notes).
People concerned with animal rights will delight to see free-roaming merino sheep engaged in social interactions and elephants and monkeys in their native habitats.
I highly recommend this book for kids ages 3 to 8.
Jessica // Nov 11, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Spirals can even be found indoors! I happened across this funny photo from I Can Has Cheezburger & immediately thought of this book – http://icanhascheezburger.com/2011/11/09/funny-pictures-raised-by-armadilloz/
Blessedmama // Nov 12, 2011 at 3:54 am
I love the idea of this book! How unique, and what a great perspective on nature.
suburban snow white // Nov 12, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Wow — This looks amazing! Is it watercolor and ink?
Jessica // Nov 14, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Snow White – Yes! It’s beautiful. Amazon has a video preview, if you’re interested – http://www.amazon.com/Swirl-Spirals-Nature-Joyce-Sidman/dp/054731583X
Jenny Sprague // Jun 26, 2012 at 8:43 am
The art work is done with scratch board, The artist is my Aunt!~ She worked with woodcut prints for years!~ She has done many books, including the Award winning The House In The Night, Advent Calendars, A Cover for Cricket Magazine as well!~
Jessica // Jun 26, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Wow, what talent you have in your family, Jenny! Thanks too for linking to your blog – it is very informative.