Total Pageviews

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Snowman - Cold = Puddle, written by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Micha Archer. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House, 2019. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"nest + robin = jewelry box

Robins lay dazzling blue eggs in spring. Some scientists believe that the most vivid blue eggs have the healthiest chicks inside. The blue shells might act as a sunscreen, protecting the chicks ... "

We have not lost hope that spring is on its way, despite snow flurries today. Winter will eventually bid us goodbye. Our thoughts will turn to new growth, spring showers, birdsong, and everything else that hints at the changing of the seasons.

Ms. Salas mixes her spring poetry with scientific fact in this welcome and information-filled new book. She explores a wide variety of topics through equations that link science with those subjects that speak to the magic of this new season: the return of birds from warm climates, the awakening of animals that sought a long winter's sleep to escape the snow and freezing temperatures, the tapped sap of maple trees, the budding of leaves and flowers as the sun warms the earth and encourages new growth, the gentle (or not so gentle) return of spring breezes, and the birth of wild and tame babies of all species.

"maple trees x buckets + boiling = sticky smile

Maple syrup starts with trees. When spring
days warm up but nights still freeze, sugary
sap flows beneath maple trees' bark. People
collect the sap and boil it down until it is
thick and sticky and perfect for pancakes."

The mathematical poem is concise. The short paragraph that follows the equation helps young readers to understand exactly what the poetic lead-in means. It brilliantly describes what children are seeing at their explore the natural world.

Illustrations are completed 'in oils and custom-made collage papers on gessoed paper, then manipulated in Photoshop.' The colors exemplify the beauty of the season, from deep blues and greens, to the soft pastels of new blooms. The textures and details will prompt careful looks and words of wonder.

Back matter offers a note from both author and illustrator, a list of those changes that suggest spring has arrived, and a list of resources for further reading.

"1 dandelion x 1 breath = 100 parachutes"

Close your eyes and think on that for a minute. 

1 comment: