Dandelions (Early Bird Nature Books)

Grade 2-4-An up-close look at an often-maligned plant. Its life cycle and history are clearly explained and illuminated with labeled drawings and beautiful full-color photographs. "Each tuft of dandelion fluff has a tiny stem. A seed hangs from the end of this stem." And there it is, magnified and ready to fly. The titles of the six short chapters are not helpful and the list of botanical terms to look for is off-putting. A note to adults about using the material with children threatens to wring every possible use out of the book and take away the enjoyment of discovery. It includes an annoying list of questions to ask, suggestions for "Introducing the Index" and how to "Be a Vocabulary Detective," and unrelated metric activities. Focus on the basic text without its accoutrements and let children get to know this noble flower.
Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME
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