Fantastic Pattern Books

Thanks to my friend Joy who found one at the library and passed it on...

+ Pattern Fish
+ Pattern Bugs

Both books are by Trudy Harris, an early childhood educator who created them for her own classroom. They are a great tool to teach about patterns.


From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-Although there's not much of a story line in this appealing concept book, there is definitely more here than initially meets the eye. The rhyming prose and brightly colored cartoon fish inhabit a world of patterns, beginning with the simplest AB pattern and growing increasingly complex. Upon closer inspection, the patterns can be seen echoing throughout, as pictures both express and reinforce the pattern of the words. For example, the ABB pattern introduced by an eel is echoed not only on the creature's body (stripe-dot-dot), but also in the bubbles that issue from its mouth (large-small-small), the underwater reeds (short-tall-tall) and plants (curve-star-star), and borders of the page (yellow-red-red). Once children get the idea, they will enjoy discovering the repetition and looking for examples. A clear and effective teaching tool.
Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Lately: Enjoying books by Keith Baker

We've really been enjoying the art and rhythm of these books by Keith Baker:

+ Little Green (about a hummingbird's movements)
+ Hide and Snake (a patterned snake hides in all kinds of places

A Valentine's Day Book

Saint Valentine, by Robert Sabuda

I found this book for .98 at Half Price Books--what a find! It's a beautiful retelling of the story of Valentine, a Christian physician in the 3rd century A.D. The art is fantastic; it's paper mosaics that capture light and expression beautifully.