Pumpkin

November 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 3-A clean design, simple sentences, and large, well-labeled photos provide attractive introductions to familiar plants. Starting with the plant's most recognizable feature-whether seed, fruit, or flower-each volume answers the question "How did it get that way?" As readers follow the life cycle, they learn how seeds develop into shoots, grow stems and leaves, and flower and produce fruits. Although each book stands alone, the set offers many opportunities for students to compare and contrast different aspects, such as size of seeds, the role of bees in pollination, and uses of various parts of plants for food. Close-up photographs, such as one depicting the tiny flowers in the middle of a sunflower, encourage close observation of the familiar. VERDICT First-purchase considerations for most collections.

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2015
Preschool-G Each simply written book in the See it Grow series traces the life cycle of a plant from seed to shoot to full-grown specimen that produces its own flowers, fruits, and seeds, which begin the cycle again. Short, simple sentences comment on the changes taking place in the stock photos, which are well chosen for their clarity in illustrating the stages of growth. Several clearly delineated, juxtaposed photos show the plant's development from seed to sprout, with roots gradually developing in the soil as the shoot emerges and grows upright. Comment boxes provide additional information about matters such as the size of the full-grown plant, its typical habitat, or contributions made by parts of the plant. Pumpkin notes that pumpkins can be as small as tennis balls or as big as washing machines. Focused on particular plants and colorfully illustrated, the series offers useful, attractive books for library collections serving younger students.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)