Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature
Best known for science books such as Extreme Animals (2006) and Surprising Sharks (2003), Davies turns to poetry in this large-format book. The poems cycle through the year from spring to winter, with more than a dozen poems in each seasonal section. Written in plain, down-to-earth language, the verse offers observations and information about the natural world as well as reflections, short narratives, and suggestions to help children to enjoy it. Hearld’s mixed-media collage illustrations are unified in style but varied in technique, offering different effects that suit the subjects of individual poems. The artwork is full of life and movement, color, and texture. While few of the verses rhyme, those that do are some of the best. A versatile blend of poetry and science, this is an excellent choice for sharing across the curriculum. Preschool-Grade 2. --Carolyn Phelan