"Longer days and warmer weather signal
the start of spring. This is a season of
sunlight, when plants grow and food is
most abundant. Making more takes
lots of energy, so the actions of living
things are timed to match up with the
extra meals. Chemical messages called
hormones tell their bodies to get ready."
This book begins with a forest scene and a family walk. The boy and his dog are leading the way, while his pregnant mom and dad follow behind. As the walk proceeds, the text allows that wherever we are 'life is making more'.
"Mammals and insects. Birds and reptiles. Trees and flowers.
Fish and frogs. Like food and water, like oxygen and sunlight,
reproduction is essential for life on Earth."
Accompanied by her signature and remarkable watercolors, Ms. Roy introduces young readers (in fact, all ages) to how plants and animals make more plants and animals. The language is accessible and very enjoyable as she explains in detail attracting mates, making gametes, creating external seeds and eggs that all lead to birth. She is specific in her use of scientific terms and her artwork is both natural and accurately captioned to ensure understanding. She explains reproduction in its simplest form, and in such variety.
"the pattern stays the same: meet, merge, and create something new."
Young people are curious about reproduction; adults are often reluctant to talk about it with their children. Katherine Roy begins with the wonder of science, inviting readers into the natural world explored by the family first met at the opening spread. There is much to learn about DNA, egg cells, sperm cells, fertilization, cell division and more. Species presented are numerous. Human reproduction is left out, though not ignored as the mom of the family is obviously pregnant when the story begins and has given birth when they return to the park to attend a birthday party on the final celebratory gatefold.
Backmatter is extensive and includes a list of key terms, species listed in the order they appear in the book, a suggested list of what might be found in a backyard with the idea of making sketches in a field journal, an informative explanation of meiosis magic, an author's note, acknowledgements, resources, and a list of books used for research.
"Making more is why there are flowers and bird song,
why fruit is sweet, why we see sunsets in color. It has
transformed a watery, silent rock into the vibrant world
we know and love, and I, for one, am grateful to be here.
Look at us, we're amazing!"
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