Things To Do

PreS-Gr 1—Short poems, mostly about things found in nature, are akin to the language of Michael Hall's recent release Wonderfall. Each selection begins with the phrase "Things to do if you are…" For example, if you are a bird: "Go find your breakfast./It's strewn on the lawn./Better come get it/before it's all gone!/Stretch out your wings/on the brightening sky./Morning's upon us./Get ready to fly!" Other ordinary wonders that are explored include a honeybee, an acorn, a snail, the sun, the sky, rain, crickets, and more. Chien's illustrations, mostly done in a pastel color palette with a textured feel, are similar to those in Naoko Stoop's "Red Knit Cap Girl" series. Taking a closer look at everyday things is an interesting subject, and this title may pair well with early science activities and observations.