Leaflets Three, Let it Be!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

In this informational picture book, Sanchez uses the seasons of the year to enhance young readers appreciation of poison ivy. Although 85 percent of people are allergic to urushiol, a chemical in the plant's sap that makes them breakout in a rash, animals do not have such a reaction. In the woods, rabbits, does, and mice nibble different parts of the poison ivy plant after a hard winter. In the summer, the plant provides shade to the forest floor and hides the salamanders, spiders and golden-eyed toads. Nests are made from poison ivy's roots and bees gather nectar from it dainty flowers. When the days turn chilly, "Tiny insects roll themselves up in snug poison ivy blankets", and animals feast on the white berries. Brickman's illustrations will make readers feel like they are looking out their window or walking in the forest. Each reading will expose more animals hiding within the three-dimensional, paper crafted scenes. The informational text reads easy as a story and the illustrations are so real looking you expect the rabbit to chew and the leaves to crunch. There is a Q&A section in the back for those seeking more information about poison ivy. One slight quibble is that there is no bibliography in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: excellent