Firsts and Lasts:The Changing Seasons, written by Leda Schubert and illustrated by Clover Robin. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Spring is ... 

the last time we hear "Snow day!" on the news,

the last time we see the plow truck roar down the road, 

the last time we bundle into snowsuits, 

and the last time we can play in our snow fort." 

My first reading of this book about the seasons took me right back into the classroom and writing workshop. I was always on the lookout for mentor books that would encourage my students to look closely at their environment, at the natural wonders of what was happening where they were, and to think about what a writer might have to say about what they were seeing. 

I also looked to share books with them that might help organize their thoughts. With guidance and much practice, they began to try their hands at putting their observations on paper. The more we practiced visual literacy, the better we became at talking about all we were seeing around us. 

Leda Schubert's lovely book about the passing of the seasons would have been a much-loved book for us. She begins in spring, and reminds readers of those things about winter that will no longer be part of daily life. It's a feeling we all must be feeling these days as we hear water running through downspouts, see snow piles getting smaller, and our streets drying up. While we will still be subject to windy days and cool temperatures, we will soon see green grass, dream of picnics, and get outside to enjoy the freedom from hats, coats, and boots. 

Ms. Schubert moves from season to season with attention to what we leave behind as we move forward. Her words conjure up memories and encourage discussion. The children depicted are active, and thrilled to be growing and changing with the passage of time. Clover Robin creates rural scenes and joyous childhood activities in beautifully detailed cut-paper collages. She uses a striking color palette to match each seasonal change. As you can likely tell from the opening quote, these children live in a northern climate where each of the four seasons is distinct and always changing. 

What makes you happy with spring's arrival today?