Flow, Spin, Grow

#OwlkidsBooks #NetGalley

A creative way to introduce young children to the scientific aspects of the everyday pattern around us. A good companion book for parents and professors looking for scientific and creative content for kids.

Using rhyme, a friendly tone, and detailed illustrations, this book encourages readers to consider the patterns found in nature. An author’s note asks readers to think about why giraffes, some pinecones, and a cracked desert floor have similar shapes. What do they have in common? This is a good book to use to stimulate conversation and careful observation.

Flow, Spin and Grow had many learning and teaching opportunities present. It is a beautiful book that would easily find a place on classroom bookshelves. I loved the connection between the natural world and patterns as well as other science phenomena. Excellent book for outdoor education.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an electronic copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

First off, I love that the author is attempting to simplify a large and slightly esoteric concept like patterning for children. It isn't a science-based book, but more of a general introduction to some pattern types found in nature and how they relate to kids. Trees have particles that spin and kids spin, see. I like that, it is a nice way to make a connection with a young child. My only complaint about the subject matter is it isn't in the science category or in the children's general category. I think the story could really benefit from the specific introduction of certain patterns like the golden ratio instead of staying vague. It's beautiful and kids could see how it is everywhere if they know what to look for.

All in all, it is a lovely book, both written and illustrated with a high degree and sensitivity to the need and understanding of children. I recommend it for kids around the age of 5.

This book does a wonderful job of having children start to recognize patterns in nature. A good follow-up (perhaps once they are a bit older) would be talking about Fibonacci spirals in nature.

Barss' words and Stewart's illustrations bring all of nature and space to the reader in this wonderful book. All of the illustrations show patterns that connect things together even though we may not realize it. From the patterns in the man-made apartments to the gopher's tunnels beneath the tree, there are patterns everywhere. Parents and children can make a game of finding the patterns in the illustrations while reading the book (as well as finding patterns in their classroom or home).

Barss takes the reader through space to discover how the Earth twirls around the Sun and the moon around the Earth because of gravity, and how the sun and galaxies whirl around and create swirls. Those swirls are found on Earth as well, and connects everything in the Universe.

Thank you NetGalley and Owl Kids for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.