The Moonflower

Rating:
Summary: not just beautiful illustrations
Review: I had the privilage of meeting the author and illustrator at a state science conference. They are a lovely down to earth couple. The author writes gradening books, but has crafted a truely child-friendly text with the moonflower. The illustrations are full color and with great detail. There is also a wealth of science information in the sidebars on each page. I use the book with my fifth grade students, but it would be appropriate in lower grade levels as well.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read for the entire family!
Review: This wonderfully illustrated children's book is a shining example of multi-level education. The main story will charm younger children, while the field notes in the margins will enlighten older children and family members with a keen interest in the natural world just outside their door. The Moonflower provides, in exquisite detail, the unfolding of nighttime activities in your garden and the interaction of species, from the namesake flower itself to owls, hawkmoths, fireflies, bats and other nocturnal creatures. With growing instructions in the back of the book, readers will be eager to call Burpee, order seeds and get growing to experience the wonder of the Moonflower themselves.