Reviewed by Christy Moore
Science Teacher 7th-8th
When you think of spring, what comes to mind? Tanya Thayer uses strong photographs and short, simple sentences to convey the message of changing seasons in the First Step series. Each short 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.
Spring uses many familiar scenes and events to help young children conceptualize time and climate changes. The book alternates nature happenings with subsequent human involvements, like flowers, weather changes, and kite-flying. 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 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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