Joyce Sidman

Gorgeously-illustrated book contemplating the various manifestations of spirals in nature.

I love hearing Lily say "bold..." in an awed voice when we get to the page about the bold ocean waves.

(Side note, but it occurred to me to wonder what the first instance was of the words "bold" and "beautiful" being used together. I remember there used to be a soap opera called The Bold and the Beautiful, so I was curious as to whether that was where this juxtaposition of words came from in the author's head.)

Lily also makes a good attempt at saying "nautilus" ("nahs").

Lately we have been talking about the sheep fighting, and how the ones with horns are "Dada" sheep (the "Mama" sheep are watching).

Just about the only downside to this book is that a gray squirrel on the last page is labeled, but cut off in the board book edition. Lily always wants to see it, and I have to tell her we can't.

...unless... we buy the original version! That must be their game.… (more)

Squee! A new Sidman!
---
Just so you know, a four star Sidman is better than a four star just about anyone else.

The cartoony illustrations here are not to my taste, but some of the aspects of them appealed to me, and I'm sure the _target audience finds them all apt.

Besides the beautiful poetry and the scientific notes at the end, there's bonus material & appeal in the book itself. First, it's a very calming book, and even points out that being quiet and patient is the way to find a treefrog (or most other critters). And it has a reference to doing yoga in gym, because a child's pose reminds the girl of a tree frog's natural pose. Second, it has (in fine print) labels on other wonders of nature, including bee balm and marsh marigold.

I did not know tree frogs lived in the US. Listen for the sound of 'running a thumb over a comb, except louder and more musical.'… (more)