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The whole universe flows in eternal natural cycles, and this poetic journey captures the beauty of how nothing disappears and everything is infinite!
With all things that exist in the universe, when they come to an end, they start over. Nothing disappears completely; everything is transformed over and over again. When winter ends, spring sprouts. After the night, a new day dawns, and from the fruit that has fallen on the ground, a tree grows . . . These are the magical cycles of the universe, and this book shows 11 of them:
- Water cycle
- Food Chain
- Phases of the moon
- Cycle of day and night
- Seasons of the year
- Cycle of migrating birds
- Life cycle of butterflies, storks, fish, chickens, and humans
Each cycle is represented by a simple definition and an illustration that identifies the main phases, and is followed by an observation to link the concept and a quote from a personality from the world of philosophy, art, literature, or science such as Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, John Steinbeck, Ray Bradbury, and Jacques Y. Cousteau, and others. The mix of science, poetry, and art is structured in a way that children will be drawn into these 11 natural cycles that are part of everyday life while learning the concept of cyclical time, where nothing disappears and everything is transformed. Whether you are following the migration of birds or discovering the powerful sequence of the food chain, you can trace the progression of science and nature in a way to better understand our existence.
- A circular die cut on the cover symbolizes the continuous process of transformation and encourages young readers to open up and discover these magical cycles
- Innovative approach to nonfiction information presented in verse with a delicacy and simplicity
- Perfect for STEM curriculums
Welcome to an incredible journey through infinity!
Gr 2-5--Evocative and inspiring artwork framed with uneven text leaves this ode to infinity less than satisfying. Each chapter focuses on one of almost a dozen cycles. Each cycle receives the same treatment. Some of the poems feel forced and are difficult to understand. The cycles' order has no clear logic. Water is followed by butterflies, followed by storks, then seasons, then migrating birds, just to name a few. This gives the book a disjointed quality. The page after a circular drawing has a short piece by the author, which is followed by a quote. The quotes come from a varied group of notable people, including but not limited to, Jacques Cousteau, Frida Kahlo, Ray Bradbury, Jules Verne, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein. All are male, save for Kahlo. Many of the quotes are complex, dark, and obscure. They will require discussion for young readers to glean exactly why they are included. The illustrations are beautiful. The use of color and patterns sweep the book along past the mediocre text. The back of the book says that it is about the magic of the cycles of the universe and the journey through infinity, and the illustrations accomplish much of this mission. The words are the stumbling block. VERDICT This illustrated look at the beauty of cycles and infinity is too muddled for most young readers. Better to try Suzanne Slade's The Universe and You or the excellent anthology Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson.--Elisabeth LeBris
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.