Phases of the Moon (Patterns in Nature)
The Patterns in Nature series provides developmentally appropriate science content to beginning readers. Each book has a simplified table of contents, with understandable chapter headings, which encourages application of pre-reading strategies. The index makes topical information accessible. Each book contains a glossary, additional text suggestions, and internet resources. Photographs and illustrations aid comprehension and encourage further reading. From new moon to the full, Gillia M. Olson describes patterns seen in the night sky. Detailed photographs and illustrations support the text. There are great comparisons---a crescent moon is compared to a banana, and the gibbous moon is represented as a circle with the same shape cut from it. This complex topic is presented in a straightforward and engaging manner. --NSTA Recommends, January 2007In this leveled reader, Olson uses short sentences and simple vocabulary to offer a very clear explanation of the moons phases and how to identify them. The accompanying full-page photos and diagrams also help elucidate the topic, and the design is simple without being boring. The only thing lacking is pronunciations for gibbous and crescent. --Horn Book Guide, January 2007Brilliant and interesting photographs, easily understood diagrams, and a short, informative text are the highlights of this Patterns in Nature series, which features titles on day and night, hibernation, phases of the moon, and seasons of the year. This title explains that the moon only appears to change shape. A clear diagram names each phase, including less familiar words like gibbous and crescent, included in a short glossary at the end and illustrated with a photograph. There are photos of the tiniest sliver which appear after the new moon, which is really no visible moon at all. Sometimes the moon is shown in quiet solitude, sometimes hanging over a busy city, sometimes over a frozen field. The last page shows a full circle of the real moon s phases. The phases are one of nature s patterns. Each title features a similar pattern diagram on the last page. Children can see the principle and learn the words that explain that principle. Each book features at least one animal in an appropriate activity for the season or time of day. There is a very short index, a list of additional books, and reference to the Facthound web site with links to age-appropriate sites for each book. This is an outstanding series of concept books for new and pre-readers; the photographs make the book interesting enough to use with older children who struggle with reading and concepts. --Childrens Literature Comprehensive Database, January 2007