From Salas' point of view, "science + poetry = surprise!" Celebrating the natural world as winter turns to spring, this unusual volume offers a poetic equation on each page, accompanied by a vivid illustration and several short sentences of related text. A snowy scene depicting a downy woodpecker on a maple tree illustrates the statement "bark + beak = drum," while a short paragraph comments that this bird is hammering at the tree to find bugs, though it might use faster drumming in the spring to assert its territory or attract a mate. Sometimes the writing takes a more lyrical tone, as in the "frogs + night = symphony" page, where the text likens a chorus of different frog species to an orchestra and ends with "Bullfrogs honk low and loud on their watery trombones." Created with a variety of traditional media and digitally arranged, Archer's detailed, vibrant collages reflect a sense of wonder, while clarifying the literal meaning of each equation and its commentary. A handsome, original book for reading aloud each spring.

Equation poems" explore the science and poetry behind the processes of nature."I am in awe of the scientific processes that make sunsets, storms, and, of course, spring," states Salas. Her volume begins with late-winter scenes in New England as "spring tiptoes in." Each page is a pleasing mix of colorful tissue-paper collage art, equation poems, and a bit of lively exposition discussing the science behind the equations. "Riverbank + otters = playground" features otters at play and text stating that "In spring, otters slip and slide in the dirty, slushy snow. No mittens. No hats. Just messy, muddy, mucky fun." A pair of brown-skinned siblings initially decked out in colorful winter garb are on hand in some scenes, their clothes changing with the seasons. The children's sense of fun and wonder enhances each scene they are in. One particularly beautiful page offers "1 dandelion x 1 breath = 100 parachutes." It appears opposite the "dusk + skunks = parade" equation, but happily, skunks are nocturnal, as the text informs readers. Not every equation adds up, though. Is "stampede" the best word in "stream + snowmelt = stampede!"? All in all, though, beautifully original art complements the fun of the playful poetry.Poetry + art = beauty. (author's note, illustrator's note, further reading) (Picture book/poetry. 4-8)

Salas posits that fully experiencing the seasons means looking through the lenses of both scientific study and art: -science + poetry = surprise!/ Science is why and how a/ flower grows. Poetry is/ looking at that flower and/ seeing a firework. Surprise!- In the early spring, -warmth + light = alarm clock.- Salas explains that -hibernating animals wake up when spring days/ grow warmer and stronger.- Elsewhere, -bark + beak = drum.- The beak belongs to a woodpecker tapping against a tree -to claim its territory/ or attract a mate.- Archer-s torn paper collage and oil art offers sharp contrast in visual textures and colors. A bright, feathery blue and green river flows past a yellow riverbank; above lies the white of the melting snow. Elsewhere, child characters play and explore outdoors, one boy climbing a tree to the sound of frog songs (-frogs + night = symphony-). Nature, the book suggests, offers abundant surprises to those who take the time to notice. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Gr 2-4 This is a cleverly crafted book that combines playful equations, such as "bark + beak = drum," with an accompanying illustration (a woodpecker on a tree) and related scientific facts: "It drums faster in spring to claim its territory or attract a mate." Sometimes the equations include multiple mathematical functions, such as, "maple trees x buckets + boiling = sticky smile," but in most cases, the sum is a lovely, thought-provoking metaphor, as in "breeze + kite = ballet." The book is organized into early, mid- and late spring events that occur as the earth transitions from winter to summer and additional facts and informational resources about spring can be found at the end. The art is done in colorful, intricate collage and oil paints and the artist's and author's statements are worth reading for learning about their thinking as they created the book. The book could serve as an anchor and mentor text for the study of seasons, as children of various ages will enjoy coming up with their own equations for any of the four seasons and creating accompanying informational text in a similar format. VERDICT An excellent choice for educators who are looking for a way to add an interesting, playful, aesthetic approach to students' thinking and understanding of the seasons. Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID