Day and Night

Children's Literature - Karen Leggett

Brilliant and interesting photographs, easily understood diagrams and a short, informative text are the highlights of this "Patterns in Nature" series, which features titles on day and night, hibernation, phases of the moon and seasons of the year. This title begins with simple descriptions and photographs of a sunny day and several interesting nighttime shots: a snow-covered house glowing with lights, people in sleeping bags by a campfire, and an owl about to pounce dramatically on its prey. A short glossary explains words like "nocturnal" and "rotate." The last page shows a circle diagram of sunrise leading to day and then to sunset followed by night: a pattern. "It happens again and again." Children can see the principle and learn the words that explain that principle. There is a very short index, a list of additional books, and a reference to the www.facthound.com web site with links to age-appropriate sites for each book. This is an outstanding series of concept books for new and pre-readers; the photographs make the book interesting enough to use with older children who struggle with reading and concepts.