All of Sam’s toys are in a heap on his floor. It’s time for him to clean up. He finds one unique toy, then two dinosaurs, and counts upwards. But there are other ways to sort toys into categories. Maybe by what they are made from or their shape. And then there are the toys that fall into both categories. Some of them rhyme with each other. Others have the same pattern on them. They can be every color in the rainbow or have qualities that make them similar like being fuzzy or smelly. Some float. Others fly. So many ways to sort!

Jocelyn has created a book that is all about the concept of sorting items into categories. Again and again, she shows that toys can be put into any number of categories. It’s all in how you look at them. The book also incorporates counting on some of its pages. It’s a book that is perfect for more conversations outside of the ones in the text. Questions of finding other toys that fit the new categories on the page, or even thinking of other categories that Sam hasn’t used yet. There’s plenty to be creative about here.

Jocelyn’s illustrations are done in cut paper collage. Some items have a lovely depth to them, created by shadows on the page. On another two pages, there are shadows on the wall that add to the fun. On other pages real objects appear with drawings of others. This is a vibrant visual feast where children will want to look closely at the items and talk about how they match or don’t match.

Have items on hand to sort to continue the conversations started with this creative look at sorting. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Honestly, I got bored. The way the “illustrations” were done was interesting, but not my cup of tea.

Title: Sam Sorts
By: Marthe Jocelyn
Genre: Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Review by: Liz Kilibarda

Sam is cleaning up his room and he’s deciding how to organize his things. Should he arrange things by color, shape, or things that come in pairs? Decisions, decisions! “Sam Sorts” is a visual treat. Marthe Jocelyn combines cut paper art with collectible objects for a colorful bonanza on each page. The book is sure to be picked up again and again with new observations and discoveries with each reading.

“Sam Sorts” can be used as an introduction to Venn diagrams. The book can be incorporated into 100th Day of School celebrations as Sam is organizing his 100 favorite things. “Sam Sorts” is a good addition to an elementary collection.

While the book does show creativity in the many ways a child can sort things, I do not think that it is an outstanding presentation. Sorting can get confusing and I don't think the book goes beyond this confusion.