Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The creator of Mapping Sam astutely explores another basic concept in this introduction to patterns. Hesselberth incorporates auditory and visual patterns into her pithy text and mixed-media pictures, the latter of which are chockablock with geometric shapes. Walking in the rain--wearing clothing and holding umbrellas featuring variegated fabric patterns--three children hear the regular rhythm of the falling drops: "Pitter, pitter, pat! Pitter, pitter, pat! Hey, it's a pitter, pitter pattern!" The author puts another spin on the notion of patterns by spotlighting kids' schedules according to the days of the week, revealing patterns within patterns. Each Monday, at soccer practice, teammates kick the patterned ball between cones ("In, out. In, out"); at Tuesday's piano lesson, the keyboard displays a consistent configuration of keys, and the tune playing, a recurring beat. Inquiring "Are there patterns here?" Hesselberth also urges readers to find examples in scenes portraying fauna and flora, aquatic life, and cityscapes. A concise concluding explanation of repeating and growing patterns may well encourage curious kids to flip back to the start and identify samples of each type on these diverting, layered pages. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
In this concept book, Hesselberth (Mapping Sam) follows Lu and her family through a week where each day is full of patterns, from the rhythm of raindrops falling ("Pitter, pitter, pat! Pitter, pitter, pat!") to the hexagons on a soccer ball to neatly arranged snacks on a table. On each page bright, flat, digitally collaged illustrations are filled with patterns for viewers to spot, with color effectively drawing the eye to those that are called out in the text. Although no formal definition of pattern is provided in the main text, the illustrations give young viewers context clues to build their own definition-and give the adult reader many opportunities to encourage kids to chant along. Back matter provides a brief definition of both repeating and growing patterns and encourages viewers to go back through the book again to spot some they may have missed. Curious kids will want to follow Lu's example and find the patterns that make up their own days. A picture book that invites discovery, inside and outside the pages. Laura Koenig May/June 2020 p.100(c) Copyright 2020. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"Pitter, pitter, pat! Pitter, pitter, pat!...Hey, it's a pitter, pitter pattern!"Spots (on a dog), nested diamonds (on the wallpaper), houndstooth (on clothing)there are so many patterns to see! At first, Hesselberth presents sequences textually with visual support as main character Lu, with light-brown skin and dark-brown hair, helps her friends (a short, black-presenting child and a tall, white-presenting child) remove their wet boots. Then the days of the week carry the narrative along to next Sunday, when Lu can see her friends again. There are patterns to identify in each day's activity, like the pentagons on a soccer ball, beats in a musical piece, and intricate quilt patterns. Guided identification transitions easily into open questions ("Are there patterns here?") for nature scenes viewed with Lu's interracial family. Geometric illustrations are chock full of patterns to spot, but the sweeping two-paged spreads are never overwhelming, partially thanks to strategically juxtaposed colors. Hesselberth includes backmatter on pattern types (repeating vs. growing) and places to find patterns (nature, time, etc.) to prompt further discussions. The text and essential pictures offer bountiful opportunities for reader interaction, whether one-on-one or in a group setting. Young ones can verbally identify or point to their discoveries or participate in rhythmic clapping and repetitive dance moves. There's lots to discover as well as several methods to access the lesson. Never pedantic, this book encourages a fun, developmentally appropriate way to look at the world. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
