A Field of Sunflowers (Read-With-Me)

Follows the growth and maturation of the sunflowers Gordon the farmer plants in one of his fields

Gr 1-3--In this unusual book, a farmer plants a field of sunflowers. Readers are led through the growing cycle, with botanical terms in boldface print and full-color photographs. As harvest time approaches, picnicking families, photographers, and artists arrive to enjoy the beauty of the flowers in bloom. The farmer then decides not to harvest the seeds, and the field turns into a gigantic bird feeder. The last page reads, "The end?" as three sunflower seeds float on the white background. The combination of purposeful information and the creation of an artistic, ecological happening seems oddly jarring; on the other hand, there is beauty in both illustration and concept. An interesting discussion could ensue about the reasons crops are grown. A hybrid addition to the large field of sunflower books.

Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME

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