Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

Sidman, Joyce. 2011. Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature. Ill. by Beth Krommes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  ISBN 9780547315836

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature is a poetry picture book which follows the prevalence of spirals in nature.  Spirals are located in animals, plants, waves, and even space.  Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature is intended for children in pre-school through third grade. 

Quality and Appeal

The poems found in Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature mix poetic language with elements of science.  Spirals are described as snuggling, growing, strong, clever, beautiful, and more.  The illustrations are whimsical, flowing, and colorful which will catch the eye of any child.    The illustrations solidify the concepts which Sidman is discussing.  For instance, Sidman writes “A spiral is a snuggling shape. / It fits neatly / in small places.  Krommes supplements this line with a chipmunk and snake coiled up in their holes in the ground.  Sidman goes on to point out other spirals in the world such as the horns on a ram which are used for protection. 

Following the story, Sidman includes scientific explanations for the words she chose.  For example, going back to the excerpt listed above, Sidman explains that a spiral is a snuggling shape as “chipmunks, woodchucks, bull snakes, and other animals curl up in spirals when sleeping or hibernating” which “helps them conserve body heat.”  By making connections between the simplicity of this shape and its purpose, Sidman is allowing readers to learn natural design in a strong and thrilling manner. 

If you follow my reviews on this blog, you'll know that the last Joyce Sidman book I read (Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry) was something I really disliked.  I was fearful when I picked up Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature that we may have a repeat under-performer but this poetry picture book was amazing.  Joyce Sidman is redeemed in my eyes!

Spotlight Poem

(Excerpt)

Coiled tight,

Warm and safe,

It waits…

…for a chance

to expand.

This poem could be used to introduce shapes (for younger readers).  Children can be assigned (or choose) a generalized shape and have fun identifying this shape in their environment.

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