When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Fogliano celebrates the seasons with poetry and Morstad captures the essense of each short, free verse observation with a charming illustration that expresses the wonder of those crocuses poking their heads out in the spring, the juicy berries of deepest summer, the reverent silence of a newly-bare tree with a pile of red and gold leaves at its feet, and the joy of sipping cocoa while snow falls outside the window. Beginning and ending on March 20th, the vernal equinox, and written in journal entries for random dates throughout the year, this book can be used as a read-aloud for younger readers and in a classroom lesson on poetry or personal journal narrative for older readers. Each double-page spread filled with gentle images, created with goache and pencil crayon, offers a scene of children experiencing nature through seasonal activities and includes lovely details that warrant a closer look and perfectly complement the text. Recommend for Cream.

Overall Book Score: excellent