Count Down to Fall – A Review
August 5, 2009 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Count Down To Fall
Author: Fran Hawk
Illustrator: Sherry Neidigh
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Sylvan Dell (June 10, 2009)
ISBN: 978-1-934359-94-5 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-607180-39-5 (Papberback)
ISBN: 978-1-607180-59-3 (English Ebook)
ISBN: 978-1-607180-49-4 (Spanish Ebook)
Colorful illustrations and descriptive rhyming verse are sure to make this Fall 2009 Sylvan Dell title a new favorite with readers everywhere! Count Down To Fall, written by Fran Hawk and illustrated by Sherry Neidigh, is a delightful picture book that gently introduces and teaches young children how to identify ten different types of trees and their leaves. These include: sweet gum, dogwood, beech, pine, linden, chestnut, oak, maple, birch and aspen.
In addition to each full-color, two-page spread, there are also four smaller corner illustrations that give more detail about each tree, such as a closer view of the leaf, the seeds, berries, nuts or flowers, and a thumbnail of the whole tree. Very effective teaching tools! There are also many pictures of various animals frisking about during the fall or busily working to prepare for winter. So this book could even be used as a starting point to learn more about animal habitats, their natures, and how they prepare for the different seasons.
Mathematical concepts usually accompany scientific information in Sylvan Dell books, and Count Down to Fall is no exception as readers count backwards from ten to one as they learn all kinds of interesting facts about each tree. Plus, as always, there is a ‘Creative Minds’ section in the back of the book that includes more information and activities including Plant Parts, Leaves—The Shape of It All, What Good Are Plants, and Match the Leaves. You can also find more links, activities, and quizzes for this book and other titles at www.sylvandellpublishing.com. You can even find out how Sylvan Dell titles align with state standards. Options and possibilities are numerous, making these books excellent for both classroom and home use!
In a’ nutshell’, Count Down to Fall would make a great read-aloud and learning resource addition to any bookshelf!
About the Author: Fran Hawk is a retired school media specialist who makes her home in Charleston, South Carolina. Her other books include The Story of the H.L. Hunley and Queenie’s Coin and Ten Tips for Raising Readers. Her favorite things are children, books, and writing—so writing children’s books is a dream come true as it combines all three!
About the Illustrator: Sherry Neidigh is a graduate of Ringling School of Art and Design, and she has been freelance illustrating for many years. Her other books include Who Needs That Nose?, If I Had A Tail, and Black and White. In addition to Count Down To Fall, Sherry illustrated another Sylvan Dell title, The Best Nest. She also lives in South Carolina.
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Learn more about Amy M. Quinn at www.amyoquinn.com and www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom
