This is an ABC book about plants, food chains, life cycle of a flower, habitats, etc. This book has information about a lot of different things that all tie up together. For the letter “Q” there is a quiz of seven questions about things the reader has learned about to that point.

The style of the writing is very interesting because it is in the form of an ABC book and on every page there is something different so the reader does not get bored with one thing. Also, the reader gets to learn about twenty-six different things all in one book. The illustrations are actual photographs so readers will be able to see whatever they are talking about on each page and what it really looks like. The organization of the text makes it easy for readers to grasp the information and really understand it.

Reading Level: Primary
Genre: Nonfiction - Informational

The ABC’s of Plants by Bobbie Kalman

Part of the series The ABC’s of the Natural World and written by renowned non-fiction children’s author Bobbie Kalman, this recent title The ABCs of Plants is a welcomed addition to most elementary library collections. Vibrant photographs comingle expertly with watercolor graphics in a starburst fashion that is likely to appeal to today’s young readers. While some may agree that plants are probably not considered one of the most exciting subjects studied by students, Kalman packs in a wide range of topics that are vital to the elementary science curriculum, while cleverly managing to work in more appealing topics such as the infamous Venus Flytrap and a gorgeous butterfly making a “meal out of nectar.” The text is laid out in typical ABC order with the letters of the alphabet, in both upper and lower case, running across every page. Bold headlines capture the reader’s attention such as “Biomes are habitats” and “Jack in the Pulpit” and the “Lifecycle of a flower.” Ending with the more challenging letters like “Water Wonders” and “Xylem carry water” and finally “Zany Plants.” Kalman also includes engaging reader activities for the letters I and Q with “Imagine what this plant fairy would tell you and write a story about your conversation with her” and the “Quiz about plants” in which readers are instructed to “read the whole book before you answer these quiz questions.” The book offers a table of contents, an Index and a half-page Glossary that could have stood to be extended. Recommended for grades 2-4 for those collections in need of more plant science titles.
Christine Johanson, SLMS Mahopac, NY. ( )