Review by Booklist Review
In this slightly oversize, lengthy picture book, UK author-illustrator Hopgood takes young readers on a tour of the seasons. Beginning with a look at traditional signs (daffodils in spring, changing leaves in fall, etc.), each season is presented through a delightful hodgepodge of facts, poetry, art, crafts, and wonder. A mix of short, lyrical text, free verse, and lightly rhyming poetry describes the seasonal behaviors of plants, bugs, birds (some of which may be new to American readers), amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, as well as such natural phenomena as cloud formations, phases of the moon, and pollination. Interspersed among these facts are a few related crafts and activities, from making paper snowflakes to a building a bug hotel. Topping off the collection, however, are vibrant mottled and textured illustrations, often reminiscent of Eric Carle. Especially eye-catching are double-page spreads with large-scale, labeled collections, such as summer fruits, fall apples, bird eggs, leaf shapes, and animal tracks in the snow. Hopgood's occasional questions and personal reflections, like identifying some of his favorite butterflies, further encourage youngsters to ponder their environment. If children had coffee tables of their own, this would be the book they'd leave out, dipping in and out to marvel at nature's beauty all year long.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--6--The ever-shifting cast of animals and plant life and seasons and their changes are the focus of the title. Aptly divided into four parts--spring, summer, fall, and winter--Hopgood assembles many elements into this compendium of the outdoors. Each section is interspersed with poetry, activities, and a close examination of the season's weather, insects, birds, animals, and plants. There are several spreads devoted to examining like objects in relationship to one another--birds' eggs, leaves, autumnal fruits--so readers have an opportunity for comparison. Also included are the life cycles of various plants, animals, and insects. While it may seem like a lot of information to include in one title, Hopgood seamlessly blends the informational, poetic, and creative elements into an appealing package that will keep readers engaged. The illustrative style is somewhat looser than Hopgood's other works, but he expertly combines detail and freneticism; one can almost feel the change of temperature from season to season. VERDICT A handy, comprehensive, and delightful look at the wonders of nature throughout the seasons, this is a recommended purchase for every collection.--Sarah Simpson
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