Weeds find a Way by Cindy Jenson-Elliott, illustrated by Carolyn Fisher. Beach Lane Books, 2014. ISBN 978-1-4424-1260-6
Summary: A little girl and her dog explore the outdoors together and encounter weeds growing in the most unlikely of places. From sticky burrs that get stuck in socks and fur, to weeds growing in sidewalk cracks, to sprouting seeds in a birds nest, weeds are everywhere!
The text follows the girl and her faithful companion throughout the seasons, and readers will learn how weed seeds are carried by rain and wind, how they defend themselves, why they flower, and how they wait out the winter. At the end of the narrative, the author has included an in-depth explanation about native and invasive plants, and how they reproduce and spread, as well as an illustrated listing of the weeds featured in the text with additional information about each plant.
Critical Evaluation: This book is a marvelous introduction to plant reproductive strategies which is written at a level that can be easily understood by preschoolers, yet the inclusion of more detailed information about each featured weed species will appeal to first and second graders.
The light-hearted approach to describing the weeds in the narrative, such as "Weeds find a way [by]...surprising hungry insects with sap so tart, it could turn a tongue inside out", makes nature approachable, and gives the plants personalities. Each two-page spread contains just enough text to keep the attention of the youngest readers, and the even pacing would make this a fine read-aloud.
Fisher's digital collage illustrations are vividly colored, and are filled with movement. The textures in the artwork are highly variable and range from strong paintbrush stokes in the fur of the dog to fuzzy chalk lines and wispy clouds, but always add depth and interest to the somewhat naive style of illustrating.
Age or Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Lexile Level: 910L
Awards:ALA Notable Children's Books; Eureka Nonfiction Honor Book
Why Included? This accessible guide to the world of weeds will give children an appreciation of plants that many adults love to hate.