Patterns everywhere

PreS-Gr 4--Identifying patterns in nature is the topic of this comprehensive picture book. Perron uses simple rhyming text contrasted with more scientific information, including specific nomenclature, to help young readers identify patterns in different places in nature. Beginning with definitions, the author takes readers on a guided tour of the natural world, including plants, landforms, coral, waves, and rocks to demonstrate the breadth of patterns available to the observant person. Vividly colored photographs with both broad, encompassing views and detailed close-ups are enthralling. These help readers connect with the text and with their own environments. The rhyming text is brief and interesting enough to keep the youngest readers engaged; older readers will love learning about basalt columns, barchan dunes, venation, and why there are ripples in the sand under the water. VERDICT With content that will appeal to a wide range of readers, this beautiful book about patterns is excellent choice for elementary libraries.--Debbie Tanner

Looking outside, what kinds of patterns can you see? Psychotherapist Perron debuts with this presentation of a variety of patterns from the natural world. Intriguing photographs from a variety of stock sources reveal designs in nature. These are further described in rhyming couplets (in an AABB pattern, pointed out in an afterword) and explanatory text boxes. Spread by spread, Perron covers leaf veins, ridges and valleys, sand dunes, corals, wave ripples, sea foam, earth layers, basalt columns, snowflakes, mud cracks, and the spiraling curves of plants and animals. The last line of each stanza begins with "patterns, patterns," providing a nice repetition for reading aloud. The text boxes offer additional information for curious readers, things like why the spacing of valleys seems consistent and how erosion and sediment buildup can change a river's path. While the book is lovely to look at, it doesn't convey the same sense of wonder and connection that the more mathematically focused titles by Sarah C. and Richard P. Campbell (Growing Patterns, 2010; Mysterious Patterns, 2014) did. Fractals, tessellation, and the Fibonacci sequence are named but not explained. The choice and arrangement of topics seems random. But the invitation to look more closely at the natural world is clear and welcome. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Intriguing encouragement to consider the intersection of mathematics and nature. (activity, glossary, further reading, websites) (Informational picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.