NSTA Recommends
Seasons: Fall
by Tanya Thayer
Price at time of review: $3.95
23 pp.
Lerner Publications Co.
Minneapolis, MN
2002
ISBN: 0-8225-1991-7
Grade Level: K-4
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Reviewed by Christy Moore
Science Teacher 7th-8th
Tanya Thayer uses strong photographs and short, simple sentences to convey the message of changing seasons in the First Step series. Each book incorporates the seasonal changes that occur in the natural world 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.
Fall uses many familiar scenes to help young children conceptualize time and climate changes. The book opens with the fact the days are getting shorter and children are going back to school. The book alternates descriptions of nature happenings with subsequent human involvements: Leaves change color. Children play in the leaves. 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. Each book is finished 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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