Lots and Lots of Zebra Stripes: Patterns in Nature

This colorful photo-essay is designed to teach young readers the concept of geometric shapes via the various shapes seen in nature, such as a spider web and a leaf, in order to introduce basic mathematical principles.

PreSchool-Grade 2-An attractive introduction to pattern recognition. The foreword discusses patterns and where they can be found in nature. The rest of the book is in larger type and has a much simpler text-one line per page-accompanied by vivid full-color photographs that clearly depict the design or idea under discussion. Patterns are described in both general and specific terms. For example, a grouping of clouds lasts "only a short time," and a spider's web is viewed as a series of spirals. The last section poses questions designed to help children think about their own environments. Readers will certainly enjoy looking at the eye-catching photos and picking out the repeated images, but the ideas generated should go far beyond that. This is a great springboard for discussion; kids will have a wonderful time looking for patterns wherever they go.
Arwen Marshall, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 3^-7. On the first page of this gorgeous photo-essay, Swinburne defines patterns as "lines and shapes that repeat," opening the way for them to be found everywhere. And find them he does--on the striped watermelons of summer and ridged pumpkins of autumn; in spider webs and on scaly snakes. He also shows how some patterns, such as the rings of a tree, can give us information. Using a variety of simple questions, he encourages youngsters to look for patterns in likely places such as flowers and insects, as well as in unlikely ones such as the inside of their lunch sack. By the time the last page is turned, even the young children will understand the concept. A nature walk or just a stroll through the neighborhood to look for patterns would be a pleasant way to reinforce the concept and demonstrate its real-life applications. Lauren Peterson