From the series Beginning to End
Pumpkin Seed to Pie
Reading Level Grades 1-2Interest Level Grades K – 3Copyright 2020
Reviewed
From the series Beginning to End
Reading Level Grades 1-2Interest Level Grades K – 3Copyright 2020
ReviewedAs leafy vines spread over fertile fields, it is only a matter of time before pumpkins are ready to harvest. After a day at the factory, it is time to make pie! Early readers will follow along on the trip pumpkins take from the patch to the can as they are made into puree for pies. Throughout the text, features highlight where pumpkins are grown, what they need to grow, and more!
This series offers bright colors, clear photos, and information about the origins of everyday items. Captions and labels identify important elements in the photos, such as the bobbins in a textile mill or the pasteurizer in a dairy. The text provides clear explanations with key terms in boldface. Each title contains a map showing one location in the world where the raw materials are produced, such as cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast. Another common feature is a flowchart of the production process (in Bulb to Tulip, there’s a life cycle chart for tulips). Many of the books use a pictograph to emphasize facts: how many paper products are made from recycled paper, or how many trees are lost to clear land for cocoa farming. Others have inset photos calling attention to the various equipment or processes used—grinding and conching chocolate, or carding and combing cotton. There are also blurbs about the amount of water used to produce one glass of milk or one T-shirt; these would make excellent discussion points or research topics. Pumpkin Seed to Pie even contains a recipe. Back matter includes a glossary defining all the highlighted terms, an index, suggestions for further reading, and directions for using the FactSurfer website. Another plus is the inclusion of topics beyond the usual “tomatoes to ketchup.” VERDICT A valuable update to collections.
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