Children's Fiction Environment
Whirl
- Publisher
- Owlkids Books Inc.
- Initial publish date
- Apr 2022
- Category
- Environment, City & Town Life, Seasons, Camping & Outdoor Activities
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781771474283
- Publish Date
- Apr 2022
- List Price
- $19.95
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 4 to 8
- Grade: k to 12
Description
One whirligig’s journey reveals the delights of the natural world
A stray maple seed, sometimes called a maple key or whirligig, is picked up by the wind and begins a long, wordless journey through a local neighborhood. It twirls and flips through a family’s backyard. It slips beneath skateboard wheels and sneakers in the park. It falls into the hands of a few curious kids, who include it in their games and artwork. Eventually, it finds a place to rest. With the help of a nosy bird and a tender puppy paw, it is dropped into a forest and firmly planted in the ground. Years later, a family that encountered the whirligig on its journey takes a walk in the forest and meets the seed again—this time as a fully grown maple tree!
This gentle meditation on the cycle of life wordlessly draws connections between humans and nature. The dynamic and detailed artwork supports visual literacy and will spark discussion about plant life cycles. And the whirligig’s journey on the wind may encourage readers to venture into green spaces and observe them with care and curiosity.
About the authors
DEBORAH KERBEL a écrit des livres pour les jeunes adultes, les préadolescents et les lecteurs débutants. Ses romans ont été présélectionnés pour les Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général, le prix du livre de l’année pour les jeunes adultes de l’Association canadienne des bibliothèques et le Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award. Elle vit à Toronto avec son mari, ses deux adolescents et Freddie, leur chien adopté.
DEBORAH KERBEL was born in London, England, and now lives in Thornhill, Ontario with her husband, son and daughter, and a rescue dog named Freddie. Deborah has written a number of picture books, and is the author of four young adult and two middle-grade novels, including My Deal with the Universe. Her books have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s YA Book Award, and many readers’ choice awards. Visit her online at www.deborahkerbel.com.
Josée Bisaillon a illustré plus de trente-cinq livres pour enfants et créé de nombreuses illustrations pour des magazines et des journaux. Elle a été finaliste au Prix littéraire du Gouverneur général à deux reprises et a remporté le prestigieux Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award pour The Snow Knows. Il s’agit du quatrième ouvrage de Josée avec Orca, après My Head in the Clouds et Bedtime 123 écrit par Eric Walters, un succès de librairie. Elle vit en banlieue de Montréal avec sa famille.
Awards
- Commended, Silent Books Collection
- Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens
Editorial Reviews
"Back matter about maple seeds and their life cycles that definitely encourages a second viewing/reading of the book ... The book is wordless and this leaves lots of room for Bisaillon to explore different ways of conveying the visual narrative."
Let's Talk Picture Books
"Softly colored, childlike illustrations set a gentle tone for the seed’s quiet journey ... [A] charming look at seeds and life cycles."
Booklist
"An enjoyable story full of joy and wonder that both children and adults will be able to relate to."
Canadian Review of Materials
"Perfect for encouraging engagement, and appreciation, for the wonders of the natural world; if there are maple trees nearby all the better to inspire a hands-on connection that will send readers whirling outdoors"
School Library Journal
