Reviewed by Christy Moore
Science Teacher 7th-8th
Winter is a book that will give young readers the shivers! Tanya Thayer uses strong photographs and short, simple sentences to describe changing seasons in the First Step series. Each short book incorporates the seasonal changes in nature with a child’s view of the world. Because seasonal changes are a common theme in primary programs (as well as a content area recommended by the National Science Education Standards), these books will be valuable to early elementary teachers.
Winter uses many familiar scenes to help young children conceptualize time and climate changes. Thayer depicts events that children should be able to easily relate to, like the measures people take to stay warm during cold weather. The author also includes a fun fact section dealing with different issues in each season.
Highlighted words in the text are defined in a glossary, and each book ends with a graphic depiction and explanation of the science behind the seasons. This series would work well in a pre-K through first grade program. The author does a nice job presenting the nuances of fall, winter, spring, and summer in an attractive, readable way.
Review posted on 5/21/2002
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