Publishers Weekly
03/01/2021
In this nonfiction series starter, Ignotofsky provides a detailed examination of the anatomy of flowers, covering seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and each element’s individual functions, as well as seeds’ journeys and growing processes, and flowers’ various uses. Fluid, friendly art in muted retro tones, rendered in a mix of traditional and digital styles, makes the information visually appealing for a range of age groups. Colorful botanicals pop against occasional interspersed chalkboardlike backgrounds, and plentiful labels and diagrams will aid curious readers. The straightforward prose sometimes feels underwhelming in comparison (“Whatever you/ plant in your garden/ will be lovely”), but budding botanists will appreciate this floral primer. Back matter includes a brief list of sources and further resources. Ages 4–7. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
"The challenge of igniting a child's curiosity is akin to lighting a fire. . . . What's Inside a Flower? is the best kind of tinder for little sparks."—The New York Times
"The lush, geometric illustrations are the superstars of this adventure, drawing in readers from the front endpapers to the rear . . . A beautiful bloom for the nature shelf." —Kirkus Reviews
"There’s an abundance of detail in this attractive first work in the “What’s Inside” series, but it’s never overwhelming . . . The pages overflow with life." —Booklist
"Fluid, friendly art in muted retro tones...makes the information visually appealing for a range of age groups." —Publishers Weekly
"An absolute standout nonfiction work that feels both fun and informative." —Brightly
Kirkus Reviews
2020-11-18
Learn the science behind your favorite flowers.
In this book, readers will go on an educational nature walk where they’ll learn the science behind the life cycle of plants. The lush, geometric illustrations are the superstars of this adventure, drawing in readers from the front endpapers to the rear. Occasional pages are illustrated on black backgrounds, pushing the floral illustrations forward. Smaller doodles and labels are interspersed between main illustrations, making the book a delight for detail-oriented readers. The text guiding the exploration starts out simply with one or two sentences per spread and slowly becomes more complex as the biology of plants is explained. Most sentences are limited to one- and two-syllable words with more-advanced vocabulary mixed in carefully, making the book engaging for a range of reading levels. The effort withers slightly in the backmatter; although many sources are listed for readers, there is no pronunciation guide or glossary to help readers with such terms as mineral and nematode. Thankfully, that’s not enough to spoil the fruit, and the book will still be useful to a multitude of readers. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)
A beautiful bloom for the nature shelf. (sources, further reading) (Informational picture book. 8-10)
