Next Time You See a Sunset - PB329X2
This purposeful book is meant to increase a child’s enjoyment of a sunset as well as explain why it occurs, and it succeeds without becoming overly prescriptive. The author’s opening note to parents and teachers, encouraging the child to experience a sunset before any discussion or explanation, sets the tone of wonder and curiosity preceding understanding. Many of the beautiful photographs are spread over the gutter, with the text, often simple questions or descriptions, supplementing the viewing experience. This is a celebration of the natural world as well as a guide to experiencing it; humans only appear in photographs describing shadows. The location and photographer of each photograph is included at the conclusion of the book, along with suggested activities. Pair it with another family-friendly book, Barbara Kerley’s The World Is Waiting for You (2013), which looks at simple ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Grades 1-3. --Edie Ching