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SWIRL BY SWIRL: SPIRALS IN NATURE

Swirl by Swirl:Spirals in Nature
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Sidman
Author's First Name: 
Joyce
Illustrator's First Name: 
Beth
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Krommes
Publisher: 
HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

A simple and beautiful look at this shape that occurs so frequently in nature, and seems to fascinate us endlessly. Starting small and expanding outward, only to curl back, Joyce Sidman's poetry reflects the nature of her subject. The art is simple, detailed, and spectacular. Seven to Ten. Nancy Schleh

A single naturally-occurring shape is celebrated in eloquent text and glorious illustrations. The spirals shown in snuggling animals, ocean waves, and dew glinting on the web of an orb spider will inspire readers to search for the form everywhere.

Comments

Meeting Notes for November

by ladamson - 11/22/2011 - 11:05pm

Meeting Notes for November 18

Positive Comments:

  • The beautiful illustrations and the selected text along with the back matter offer a complete package.
  • Since the book returns to the scene at home in the end rather than staying in the stars, the book works for bedtime reading.
  • The labeling in the swirls is helpful.
  • The sense of wonder and beauty permeates the story and engages the reader.
  • Dramatic dark colors and purples emphasize the shapes and help build curiosity.
  • The endpapers, with pictures of all the spirals, become integral to the book.

Observations:

  • This is a math, science, and informational book as well as a picture book.

Concerns:

  • The smooth paper slightly detracts from the textured illustrations; someone else thinks the illustrations need the glossy paper on which they appear.