Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Caldecott-winner Beth Krommes is a lovely new book celebrates all the places you can find spirals in nature; some you would expect, others unexpected. 
Newbery honor-winning poet Joyce Sidman’s verse gently leads the reader from spiral to spiral in a paper bound nature walk. Adults will recognize this is an introduction to Fibonacci, and there is an explanation of the Fibonacci spiral in the back materials.
Visually, this book is a treat. Beth Krommes’ scratchboard illustrations have darkly-defined lines with colorful watercolor to brighten it up. You can preview the look in this book trailer:
The book will be sure to intrigue both poetry fans and nonfiction fans, as well as art fans.
The buzz has already started for Swirl by Swirl, with starred reviews in all the usual places. Although the official release date is October 4, 2011, I found this one at my local bookstore.
The accompanying Reader’s Guide has excellent discussion questions and activities.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 054731583X
ISBN-13: 978-0547315836
Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by the new Nonfiction Monday blog to see who is hosting each week.
This week’s post is at Tales from the Rushmore kid.