Acorn to Oak Tree

Sylvia Pantaleo is an assistant professor of education specializing in
children’s literature at Queen’s University and the co-author of
Learning with Literature in the Canadian Elementary Classroom.

In this set of First Look Board Books, Barbara Reid describes the
ontogenesis of several organisms. Each text is succinct and
scientifically accurate. Reid uses appropriate vocabulary, and the
descriptions of the development of each organism are easy to understand.

The format of each book is the same—left-hand pages contain a framed
Plasticine illustration with text below; right-hand pages contain a
single enlarged illustration. The illustrations highlight Reid’s
trademark style of creating a three-dimensional effect with Plasticine.
The figures show remarkable texture and realistic detail, and, indeed,
many of the living creatures appear lifelike.

Usually board books are aimed at toddlers, but the language and content
of the books in this series are more appropriate for children ranging in
age from 4 to 8. Recommended.