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Children's Fiction Environment

Whirl

by (author) Deborah Kerbel

illustrated by Josée Bisaillon

Publisher
Owlkids Books Inc.
Initial publish date
Apr 2022
Category
Environment, Seasons, City & Town Life, Camping & Outdoor Activities
Recommended Age
4 to 8
Recommended Grade
k to 12
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781771474283
    Publish Date
    Apr 2022
    List Price
    $19.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

One whirligig’s journey reveals the delights of the natural world

A stray maple seed, sometimes called a maple key or whirligig, is picked up by the wind and begins a long, wordless journey through a local neighborhood. It twirls and flips through a family’s backyard. It slips beneath skateboard wheels and sneakers in the park. It falls into the hands of a few curious kids, who include it in their games and artwork. Eventually, it finds a place to rest. With the help of a nosy bird and a tender puppy paw, it is dropped into a forest and firmly planted in the ground. Years later, a family that encountered the whirligig on its journey takes a walk in the forest and meets the seed again—this time as a fully grown maple tree!

This gentle meditation on the cycle of life wordlessly draws connections between humans and nature. The dynamic and detailed artwork supports visual literacy and will spark discussion about plant life cycles. And the whirligig’s journey on the wind may encourage readers to venture into green spaces and observe them with care and curiosity.

About the authors

DEBORAH KERBEL a écrit des livres pour les jeunes adultes, les préadolescents et les lecteurs débutants. Ses romans ont été présélectionnés pour les Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général, le prix du livre de l’année pour les jeunes adultes de l’Association canadienne des bibliothèques et le Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award. Elle vit à Toronto avec son mari, ses deux adolescents et Freddie, leur chien adopté.

 

DEBORAH KERBEL was born in London, England, and now lives in Thornhill, Ontario with her husband, son and daughter, and a rescue dog named Freddie. Deborah has written a number of picture books, and is the author of four young adult and two middle-grade novels, including My Deal with the Universe. Her books have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s YA Book Award, and many readers’ choice awards. Visit her online at www.deborahkerbel.com.

Deborah Kerbel's profile page

Jos&eacutee Bisaillon a illustr&eacute plus de trente-cinq livres pour enfants et cr&eacute&eacute de nombreuses illustrations pour des magazines et des journaux. Elle a &eacutet&eacute finaliste au Prix litt&eacuteraire du Gouverneur g&eacuten&eacuteral &agrave deux reprises et a remport&eacute le prestigieux Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award pour The Snow Knows. Il s’agit du quatri&egraveme ouvrage de Jos&eacutee avec Orca, apr&egraves My Head in the Clouds et Bedtime 123 &eacutecrit par Eric Walters, un succ&egraves de librairie. Elle vit en banlieue de Montr&eacuteal avec sa famille.

Josée Bisaillon's profile page

Awards

  • Commended, Silent Books Collection
  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens

Editorial Reviews

"Back matter about maple seeds and their life cycles that definitely encourages a second viewing/reading of the book ... The book is wordless and this leaves lots of room for Bisaillon to explore different ways of conveying the visual narrative."

Let's Talk Picture Books

"Softly colored, childlike illustrations set a gentle tone for the seed’s quiet journey ... [A] charming look at seeds and life cycles."

Booklist

"Perfect for encouraging engagement, and appreciation, for the wonders of the natural world; if there are maple trees nearby all the better to inspire a hands-on connection that will send readers whirling outdoors"

School Library Journal

"An enjoyable story full of joy and wonder that both children and adults will be able to relate to."

Canadian Review of Materials

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