A hurricane's spiral. The branches of veins in a hand. The circle of a curled up fawn, a sleeping bear, and the orbit of the earth which marks passing time. Twenty-five poems arranged in sections titled Spirals, Branches, Polygons, Meanders and Circles look at nature through Barbara Juster Esbensen's keen and patient eye, exposing its secrets as well as the strength and wonder of words to young readers. Helen K. Davie's full-page illustrations help mark the transition from one untitled poem to the next at the same time they provide a significant yet subtle backdrop for the text. (Ages 7-10)

Poet Barbara Juster Esbensen and painter Helen K. Davie reveal the patterns that repeat endlessly in the natural world. The branches of a tree are echoed in jags of lightning, in the veins of a leaf, and the veins of your body. Readers will find connections between hurricanes and galaxies, glaciers and rivers, snowflakes and honeycombs. This book sings the harmony among math, science, language, and art which is at the heart of whole language curricula.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1997 (NSTA/CBC)
1997 Teacher’s Choices (IRA)
1997 Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
1997 Elizabeth Burr Award (WI)