Wool

Children's Literature - Marion Rubin

Although we know that wool can make sweaters and blankets, many readers may not realize that the covering on a tennis ball, shampoo, soap, and the tip of a felt tip pen can be made of wool. Wool comes from alpacas, llamas and rabbits as well as sheep. Wool is a short, colorful book about how wool is gathered and processed. It shows wool's many uses and byproducts. Large pictures illustrate the text and detail how wool is sheared, cleaned, made into yarn in a factory setting, woven or knitted. It includes many topics for discussion and research and suggests activities for the reader—such as looking at clothing labels for wool or other products. It also contains a table of contents, index, other books to read and websites to visit. In addition, it offers activities in other disciplines such as art, English, history, science and geography. These can all be found on the "wool topic web" page. The wide range of suggested supplementary activities will allow the instructor much latitude in using the resources of this book. Note: it might have been interesting to devote several pages showing how wool is processed by hand through carding and a spinning wheel, which are not completely obsolete. Part of the "Everyday Materials" series. Reviewer: Marion Rubin

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2

This series introduces common materials in an engaging style. The text and photos work together, progressing from a definition of the material to how it is manufactured and what it is used for. Bordered insets are used to expand the topic, encourage application of the new knowledge, or pose questions for exploration. Each title concludes with a recycling section, a simple comprehension quiz, and a topic web that offers extension ideas. The large type, bright photos, and uncluttered layout will allow large and small group use.