After children have been tucked into their beds on a warm summer evening, nighttime springs to life. With language that weaves its tale like the moonflower vine winding its way upward toward the sky, THE MOONFLOWER brings an often unseen world to light for the budding young naturalist. Sidebars containing interesting facts about these nocturnal creatures' habits complement the story of a mysterious, moonflower-inspired evening. Jean Loewer's soft illustrations and careful attention to detail bring an authenticity to moonflowers, hawkmoths, and owls that can barely be contained on the page. In addition, a glossary and instruction on how to grow you rown moonflower vine make this an excellent reference tool for children interested in what goes on after dark.
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Book Description
A lyrical account of nature after dark - perfect for children who want to know what goes on while they're asleep!
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3?A visually appealing picture book that introduces this flower and its unique blooming pattern, as well as a variety of nocturnal creatures. As night approaches, crickets, bats, owls, and other animals become active and the petals of the moonflower slowly unfurl. Hawkmoths searching for nectar spread its pollen. As dawn nears, each bloom wilts, having fulfilled one part of its life cycle. Beautiful illustrations reflect the colors and hues of the changing scene from dusk through moonlit night to the dim glow of dawn. The lyrical text describes the nighttime activity surrounding the plant with magical overtones that remain true to nature's nocturnal cycles. Brief information given in the text is supported by facts in vertical sections on one side of the double-page spreads. A wash of color covers each page, seamlessly blending text, illustrations, and background into an effective whole without interrupting the mood of the book. Instructions for planting a moonflower and an illustrated glossary are appended. A good reminder of nighttime changes that also demonstrates the interdependence of plants and animals and the role that each plays in the natural world.?Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A visually appealing picture book...beautiful illustrations...lyrical text." -- School Library Journal, 8/98
Looking for a picture book that has more to it than a simple story? The Moonflower goes beyond a story with sidebars and growing instructions that make an interesting way for a reader to learn about a variety of night creatures and the moonflower plant itself. This book can also be read for the story alone, but isn't as dynamic since there is not a main character who makes one care about him. The educational sidebars are written clearly and have intriguing tidbits, such as "...some vines twine to the left, but moonflowers twine to the right...." Terms are explained without talking down to the reader. Peter Loewer has written these facts in a manner that conveys appropriate further details to enhance the story. The final sidebar comes to a conclusion that ties all the sidebars together. Husband and wife team of author and illustrator have created a book where each one's skills compliment the other's. Not only has Jean Loewer illustrated the creatures necessary for the story, but her artwork has also formed another story within the story as the reader sees a family's life framing the events of the night. This would be a good classroom book. -- From Independent Publisher
Looking for a picture book that has more to it than a simple story? The Moonflower goes beyond a story with sidebars and growing instructions that make an interesting way for a reader to learn about a variety of night creatures and the moonflower plant itself. This book can also be read for the story alone, but isn't as dynamic since there is not a main character who makes one care about him. The educational sidebars are written clearly and have intriguing tidbits, such as "...some vines twine to the left, but moonflowers twine to the right...." Terms are explained without talking down to the reader. Peter Loewer has written these facts in a manner that conveys appropriate further details to enhance the story. The final sidebar comes to a conclusion that ties all the sidebars together. Husband and wife team of author and illustrator have created a book where each one's skills compliment the other's. Not only has Jean Loewer illustrated the creatures necessary for the story, but her artwork has also formed another story within the story as the reader sees a family's life framing the events of the night. This would be a good classroom book. -- From Independent Publisher
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful read for the entire family!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Moonflower (Hardcover)
This wonderfully illustrated children's book is a shining example of multi-level education. The main story will charm younger children, while the field notes in the margins will enlighten older children and family members with a keen interest in the natural world just outside their door. The Moonflower provides, in exquisite detail, the unfolding of nighttime activities in your garden and the interaction of species, from the namesake flower itself to owls, hawkmoths, fireflies, bats and other nocturnal creatures. With growing instructions in the back of the book, readers will be eager to call Burpee, order seeds and get growing to experience the wonder of the Moonflower themselves.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
lovely art and good science for kids,
By clanRoss mom "clanrossmom" (Space Center, Mississippi) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Moonflower (Paperback)
I bought this book after growing moonflowers for 2 summers. The pictures are lovely and it offers good info about pollinators and night creatures. I have purchased this book for friends.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
not just beautiful illustrations,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Moonflower (Hardcover)
I had the privilage of meeting the author and illustrator at a state science conference. They are a lovely down to earth couple. The author writes gradening books, but has crafted a truely child-friendly text with the moonflower. The illustrations are full color and with great detail. There is also a wealth of science information in the sidebars on each page. I use the book with my fifth grade students, but it would be appropriate in lower grade levels as well.
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