Franco, B., & Jenkins, S. (2008). Bees,
snails, & peacock tails: Patterns & shapes- naturally. New York:
Margaret K. McElderry Books.
An intriguing illustrated poetry book
about shapes and patterns found naturally in the world from spider webs to
beehives. Betsy Franco investigates
several geometrical shapes and patterns from animal’s wings to uniquely
designed environments. Accurate mathematical
and scientific information, along with vivid descriptions, make it an exciting
way to learn about the mystery of animals.
For example, whenever the puffer fish “senses there’s something to fear,
it puffs itself up till it’s almost a sphere.” Likewise, “off comes the old
skin and waiting below, repeating designs appear in a row.”
On several pages, Betsy Franco uses a form of poetry
called concrete poetry, which is
written and printed in a shape that signifies the subject of the poem. For
example, when discussing the spirals and tiny details on topshell snails, she
writes the line of print in a spiral pattern.
Betsy Franco also applies sense imagery as she uses words such as delicate and round, as well
as phrases such as “slice through the air,” “travel in peace,” and “scurries
about nibbling acorns” to awaken the senses while reading.
This illustrated poetry book has rhyme and rhythm that flows throughout the text. There are matching sounds at the end of most lines;
however, not every line has a matching sound. This particular choice Betsy
Franco made is important to its read aloud quality, as it seems natural, not
forced when reading.
This poetry book allows students to easily respond
through writing. In science, students
can participate in leaf rubbing. They
can write about symmetry, patterns, or shapes found on the leaf or leaf
rubbing. In addition, students can write a short poem from the perspective of
an animal or insect from the book.
W.K.1 & W.K.2
Why do you think the ants walked in a very straight
line?
What other animals have patterns or shapes on their
body?
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