Friday, March 3, 2017

SING A SEASON SONG - #PPBF

Where I live, the winter has been mild this year and my thoughts have turned to Spring . . .
 

 
Title: SING A SEASON SONG

Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Lisel Jane Ashlock
Publisher: Creative Editions, 2015
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: The seasons, Writing in rhyme, Animals

Opening Line: "Snow, snow, shiver and blow.
Icicle popsicles drip, drop and dropsicles."
Synopsis: Beginning and ending with winter, this book celebrates the cyclical nature of the seasons.

What I like about this book: The text and illustrations marry perfectly. A few animals are mentioned in the text, then the illustrations add layers of detail, together bringing the seasons to life. I felt the whoosh of wings and the thump of paws. Nature takes center stage, with children and adults tucked into the backgrounds. The scenes come vividly to life with something new to feel or see in several re-readings. Picture book aficionados may smile at the owl prominent in the first spread, remembering OWL MOON. Yolen's text is a rhythmic read aloud treat. A longtime Yolen fan, this is a new favorite for me. While each season may have unpleasantries, they aren't mentioned here! The tone of this book is a gentle celebration of the repeating cycle.

Resources/Activities:
  • List the best and worst things about each season. Compare lists. If you were a butterfly, would your answers be different? A polar bear? A frog?
  • The internet has many kid-friendly activities to explore the seasons. Start with Pinterest?
  • Teachers.net has grade level appropriate lesson plans about the seasons.
  • Start a seasonal scrap book, recording your observations on the first day each month.
  •  What is your favorite food to each during each season? Make some!
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. Have you read this one? I'd love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments!

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

6 comments:

  1. Oooo! That cover is gorgeous. Can't wait to recommend this book (and read it myself!) Thanks.

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  2. I love Jane Yolen, but have not yet read this book. Looks wonderful! Thanks for recommending it.

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    1. One of the problems with being so prolific--we miss some of Jane's best work! Glad I was able to share it with you.

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  3. I actually missed seeing this published. Even that opening stanza is so onomatopoeic!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it. I had to read it aloud. Even though no one was there at the time! The words just asked for it. :)

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