Spotty, Stripy, Swirly

PreS-Gr 2—As she did in Ruby, Violet and Lime: Looking for Color and Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What Is Texture?? (both Millbrook, 2011), Brocket has taken a concept and given it the full treatment. Using crisp, bright photographs reminiscent of the work of Tana Hoban and clearly written text in playful fonts, she examines patterns from almost every conceivable angle. There are patterns determined sometimes by shape, sometimes by color, sometimes by object. They run the gamut from simple to quite complex. There are man-made patterns such as brickwork or quilts, and patterns that occur in nature, such as geranium leaves. The author explains their various purposes and encourages children to "look up and down and all around" to try and find them. This book is a visual treat that could be used by teachers looking for ways to introduce the topic, and it will attract browsers as well. A first purchase.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ