Pitter Pattern

The creator of Mapping Sam astutely explores another basic concept in this introduction to patterns. Hesselberth incorporates auditory and visual patterns into her pithy text and mixed-media pictures, the latter of which are chockablock with geometric shapes. Walking in the rain--wearing clothing and holding umbrellas featuring variegated fabric patterns--three children hear the regular rhythm of the falling drops: "Pitter, pitter, pat! Pitter, pitter, pat! Hey, it's a pitter, pitter pattern!" The author puts another spin on the notion of patterns by spotlighting kids' schedules according to the days of the week, revealing patterns within patterns. Each Monday, at soccer practice, teammates kick the patterned ball between cones ("In, out. In, out"); at Tuesday's piano lesson, the keyboard displays a consistent configuration of keys, and the tune playing, a recurring beat. Inquiring "Are there patterns here?" Hesselberth also urges readers to find examples in scenes portraying fauna and flora, aquatic life, and cityscapes. A concise concluding explanation of repeating and growing patterns may well encourage curious kids to flip back to the start and identify samples of each type on these diverting, layered pages. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

PreS-Gr 1--Readers follow a young girl named Lu through her week as she experiences patterns in a variety of ways. From visual patterns to musical patterns, from patterns in nature to man-made creations, there are patterns to uncover on each page. Since this book doesn't concentrate on a specific kind of pattern, certain pages may be too complicated for the designated age range. Patterns are incorporated visually into the background as well as foreground, in addition to the pattern concepts being told on each page. The last page includes an explanation of what a pattern is and more detail about the different kind of patterns Lu discovers. VERDICT This title is too complicated for your standard picture book concepts, and not an easy read aloud. It's best shared one-on-one or available in a classroom setting.--Shana Shea, Windsor Public Library, CT

"The puzzle-like spreads invite readers to consider what type of patterns appear on each page and then to anticipate an element and fill in what comes next." — Booklist

"Geometric illustrations are chock full of patterns to spot . . . There's lots to discover." — Kirkus Reviews

"Hesselberth incorporates auditory and visual patterns into her pithy text and mixed-media pictures." — Publishers Weekly

"An exploration of patterns that are easily observable in the natural and manmade world . . . A strong choice for group sharing." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"In this concept book, Hesselberth follows Lu and her family through a week where each day is full of patterns . . . A picture book that invites discovery, inside and outside the pages." — Horn Book Magazine