BE BLEST: A CELEBRATION OF SEASONS
Grade 2-6-Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of Brother Sun," Owens's book is a celebration of the relationships between plants and animals all year long. The verses remind readers to "Be Blest, Sing Praise,/Rejoice, Give Thanks," throughout the turning of the seasons. Each month is presented on a double-page spread that features a poem within a wreath depicting the circle of life, with related flora and fauna woven in. The facing page illustrates the action of the verse. In February, "-groundhog slumbers,/squirrels nest." In June, "Up from the earth/they rise,/cabbagemoths and butterflies." The verse is well suited to reading aloud, with a consistent meter and rhyme. Musical notation is appended, indicating that each verse may be sung. A fine tribute to the interconnectedness of nature, Be Blest can be enjoyed by families, highlight a primary class' study of the seasons, or be used by an older group studying verse or spiritual devotion.Martha Link, Louisville Free Public Library, KYCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.