This Librarian's Quick Picks: When Green Becomes Tomatoes

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons 
by Julie Fogliano
Roaring Brook (Mar. 1, 2016)
Nonfiction Poetry

Summary:

Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano's skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad's charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry.

Why You'll Love It:

• The artwork has a cozy, inviting feel. The height of each time of year is encapsulated in universal images: children playing on the beach in August, for example, and playing in the snow in December. Full-spread illustrations are particularly striking, such as one of a boy and girl sitting on a hill and gazing up at a starry sky.
• Featuring forty-eight poems broken into four sections, the collection is ideal for dipping into throughout the year and will reward multiple reads. 
• This is a perfect arrival for both the changing of the seasons here in Tennessee and a celebration of poetry month!

Who Should Read It:

Great for 1st-4th graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems by Paul B. Janeczko
• Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman
• Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons by Jon Muth

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold

Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold
by Joyce Sidman; illustrations by Rick Allen
Houghton Mifflin (November 4, 2014)
Nonfiction poetry

Summary:

A collection of poems that explores how animals survive the cold during the winter season. Provides additional facts about the animals and the season. 

Why You'll Love It:

• While most poems address familiar topics (snowflakes, moose, trees, chickadees), springtails (snow fleas) and skunk cabbage (an early flowering spring plant) will be new to many.
• Each poem is accompanied by facts as well as a glossary in the back of the book.
• This book perfectly marries poetry, science, and art! Check out the hand-colored linoleum blocks used in the illustrations:

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 1-5...and here's the educator's guide.

What Else You Should Read:

• Pug: And Other Animal Poems by Valerie Worth
• Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman
• Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors by Joyce Sidman