Patterns at the Sea Shore

K-Gr 3—"Patterns can be shapes, colors, or sizes that repeat." There's beauty, humor, and elements of surprise in the fine photographs featured here. Simultaneously simple and complex, these small, thoughtfully constructed books supply an introduction to the concept of patterns to six different environments. Each spread pairs a brief explanation with a view illustrating a pattern seen in nature or created by humans (striped, alternating, irregular, spiral, checkerboard, dotted, and more). Pigeons on a fence, a curled up millipede, an elaborately striped street intersection, and flip-flops on the beach demonstrate varied types. A short reader quiz and picture glossary round out the books, making them ideal for a variety of uses, from the classroom to family reading. These offerings will induce smiles, spark useful conversations, and lead to repeated viewings.