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The Reasons for Seasons
Cold winters, hot summers—year after year the seasons repeat themselves. But what causes them?
Why is there winter in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time there is summer in the Northern Hemisphere? In summertime, why is it still light out in the evening? With simple language appropriate for young readers, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the four seasons and explains why they change throughout the year.
Clear, simple diagrams of the earth's orbit are labeled with important vocabulary, explained and reinforced with accessible explanations. The Reasons for Seasons introduces the solstices, the equinoxes, and the tilt in Earth's axis that causes them, and gives examples of what each season is like across the globe from pole to pole.
Fascinating and easy to understand, this is a perfect introduction to seasons, earth's orbit, and axial tilt. Different effects on different parts of the world are included, illustrating the difference in climate between the equator, the northern and southern hemispheres, and the polar regions.
Why is there winter in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time there is summer in the Northern Hemisphere? In summertime, why is it still light out in the evening? With simple language appropriate for young readers, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the four seasons and explains why they change throughout the year.
Clear, simple diagrams of the earth's orbit are labeled with important vocabulary, explained and reinforced with accessible explanations. The Reasons for Seasons introduces the solstices, the equinoxes, and the tilt in Earth's axis that causes them, and gives examples of what each season is like across the globe from pole to pole.
Fascinating and easy to understand, this is a perfect introduction to seasons, earth's orbit, and axial tilt. Different effects on different parts of the world are included, illustrating the difference in climate between the equator, the northern and southern hemispheres, and the polar regions.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
6 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Gail Gibbons
225 books162 followersFrom gailgibbons.com: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1944. Even as a little child, I was always busy putting books together. Sometimes I would bind them with yarn to hold the pages together. I've always loved drawing and painting. I was also a very curious child. My parents tell me that I was always asking lots and lots of questions.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 6, 2021
Sorry but truly, Gail Gibbons’ 1995 non fiction picture book The Reasons for Seasons for me and in my opinion leaves rather a bit to be both textually and also visually and illustratively desired.
For yes indeed, while Gibbons’ presented narrative for The Reasons for Seasons certainly strives to be informative, is verbally dense and as such of course most suitable for older children above the age of at least nine or so (mostly due to some rather sophisticated vocabulary being used), there are also some rather problematic informational gaps to be found within the text (such as for example Gail Gibbons mentioning in the section on spring that only birds and whales migrate, even though there are actually very many species of migrating animals, and that in The Reasons for Seasons animal migration thus seems to focus only on birds and whales in the spring part and then on just birds once again in the autumn section, well, I do find this informationally lacking, even factually false), and not to mention that the lack of an included bibliography with suggestions for further reading is a huge issue for me and especially so since The Reasons for Seasons is clearly meant for education and enlightenment purposes (to be used by older children, by teachers and parents) and that therefore a bibliography should be an absolute must and there not being one included by Gail Gibbons really does majorly lessen the teaching and the supplemental research value of The Reasons for Seasons).
And combined with the fact that the majority of the accompanying artwork feels too cutesy for Gail Gibbons’ printed words (and would with its bright cartoon like images be more suitable for a picture book geared towards much younger children), I really have not found Gibbons’ combination of text and images all that successful with regard to The Reasons for Seasons and thus only a two star ranking, a high two star ranking to be sure, but the lack of a bibliography for The Reasons for Seasons and that I aesthetically just do not think the illustrations mirror the narrative at all well, this certainly prevents me from upping my rating to three stars.
For yes indeed, while Gibbons’ presented narrative for The Reasons for Seasons certainly strives to be informative, is verbally dense and as such of course most suitable for older children above the age of at least nine or so (mostly due to some rather sophisticated vocabulary being used), there are also some rather problematic informational gaps to be found within the text (such as for example Gail Gibbons mentioning in the section on spring that only birds and whales migrate, even though there are actually very many species of migrating animals, and that in The Reasons for Seasons animal migration thus seems to focus only on birds and whales in the spring part and then on just birds once again in the autumn section, well, I do find this informationally lacking, even factually false), and not to mention that the lack of an included bibliography with suggestions for further reading is a huge issue for me and especially so since The Reasons for Seasons is clearly meant for education and enlightenment purposes (to be used by older children, by teachers and parents) and that therefore a bibliography should be an absolute must and there not being one included by Gail Gibbons really does majorly lessen the teaching and the supplemental research value of The Reasons for Seasons).
And combined with the fact that the majority of the accompanying artwork feels too cutesy for Gail Gibbons’ printed words (and would with its bright cartoon like images be more suitable for a picture book geared towards much younger children), I really have not found Gibbons’ combination of text and images all that successful with regard to The Reasons for Seasons and thus only a two star ranking, a high two star ranking to be sure, but the lack of a bibliography for The Reasons for Seasons and that I aesthetically just do not think the illustrations mirror the narrative at all well, this certainly prevents me from upping my rating to three stars.
April 30, 2020
Text to teaching Kindergarten
Objective: Students will be able to use complete sentences to talk to a partner and write about weather patterns found in the different seasons.
During reading, I will read aloud the book The Reasons For Seasons by Gail Gibbons. I will pause throughout the book to allow the students to notice the different seasons and associated weather patterns. After reading, I will define a season by saying, “As the earth moves around the sun, we have four different seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Each season has a different kind of weather.” Class activity, Pass out paper and pencils to each student for them to draw their season picture and write their sentences. Circulate around the room and support students as needed.
Objective: Students will be able to use complete sentences to talk to a partner and write about weather patterns found in the different seasons.
During reading, I will read aloud the book The Reasons For Seasons by Gail Gibbons. I will pause throughout the book to allow the students to notice the different seasons and associated weather patterns. After reading, I will define a season by saying, “As the earth moves around the sun, we have four different seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Each season has a different kind of weather.” Class activity, Pass out paper and pencils to each student for them to draw their season picture and write their sentences. Circulate around the room and support students as needed.
October 20, 2015
The repeated references to the southern hemisphere and its opposite behavior cluttered the text.
March 9, 2019
Informative yet boring
October 9, 2020
This book has excellent illustrations that show how the tilt of the earth affects seasons.
May 15, 2023
The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons opens by stating each season. Before exploring each season individually, the author introduces the relationship between the Earth and the sun. It explores complex subjects like hemispheres, axis, and the different poles. The book is also very specific about the seasons in relation to the Earth's timeline with the sun. After this, the book goes season by season explaining the general activities that humans, plants, and animals go through as well as restating where the earth is in relation to the sun. It continues this for each season by going chronologically in the normal calendar year and ends by restating that the Earth's relationship with the sun is how the seasons are made. While this book would be very informative for older children learning about the weather, solar system, and seasons, this would be too complex for young children and would lose their attention very fast. This book stated a lot of facts, and if someone missed one part of the book, the rest of it would be confusing. I would probably share this with children to introduce the different vocabulary that is mentioned.
April 13, 2019
Awards: none
Grade Levels: Kindergarten-2nd Grade
Summary: "The Reasons for Seasons" by Gail Gibbons introduces the four seasons to readers and why the earth experiences seasons. It explains how each season lasts about three months and the concept of earths rotation and revolution around the sun. This book uses simple language and has colorful attractive illustrations for young readers.
Review: I believe this book is great to read to children anytime of the year or during a science unit to introduce them to seasons. Many students don't know why the weather changes and what seasons are and this book does a good job of explaining it. It is wonderful for students to know about earth's rotation and revolution at a young age because they will be learning this more in depth as they continue their education.
In class uses:
-After reading the book, have a diagram of the Earth and the Sun made for your class and have your students place where the earth is in relation to the sun during each season
-After reading the book, have your students go back to their seats and write about their favorite season and why the temperature is the way that it is during that specific season.
Grade Levels: Kindergarten-2nd Grade
Summary: "The Reasons for Seasons" by Gail Gibbons introduces the four seasons to readers and why the earth experiences seasons. It explains how each season lasts about three months and the concept of earths rotation and revolution around the sun. This book uses simple language and has colorful attractive illustrations for young readers.
Review: I believe this book is great to read to children anytime of the year or during a science unit to introduce them to seasons. Many students don't know why the weather changes and what seasons are and this book does a good job of explaining it. It is wonderful for students to know about earth's rotation and revolution at a young age because they will be learning this more in depth as they continue their education.
In class uses:
-After reading the book, have a diagram of the Earth and the Sun made for your class and have your students place where the earth is in relation to the sun during each season
-After reading the book, have your students go back to their seats and write about their favorite season and why the temperature is the way that it is during that specific season.
March 2, 2023
After reading Reasons for Seasons, this book will help students correct any misconceptions about why we have seasons. This topic is very important because college students and adults believe that the reason for seasons is the distance between the earth and the sun. However, that is not right. Throughout this book, it shows images and text to prove evidence of why we have seasons. I truly believe that the text and images are a great way to the reader to visualize the main idea. The author also incorporates vocabulary that is important when teaching children. They provide real life examples of what is happening throughout each season such as farming starts in the late spring into the summer. I love how they show images of the earth and the sun and the tilts because we do not see this unless you go into space. This is a good visualization for readers that need to understand it visually. The subtitles are a great way to help the reader know what topic they will be talking about throughout those pages. Providing arrows is an amazing way to help the students direct their attention. As an activity, we will be making our own planet and sun model to help show the seasons.
September 16, 2021
The Reason for the Seasons is a non-fiction picture book that talks about the four seasons of the year and how they come to be. It discusses the science behind the sun being tilted on it's axis and how plants, animals, and humans react to the changing seasons.
I like this book because of it's scientific descriptions and photos that easily explain about what it is talking about. I love that it also talks about many human traditions in correlation to the seasons. For example it talks about harvesting food and crops in the fall, and having county fairs. I love that the author combined the scientific topics along with events or activities that kids can relate to.
I would use this book to teach little ones about the seasons and give them a greater understanding for the change that they experience every year. I would also advise a student who loves science to read this book to broaden their perspective and try to challenge their brain. There are also many big words in this book that students might not know the meaning of and it's a great way to grow their vocabulary aswell
I like this book because of it's scientific descriptions and photos that easily explain about what it is talking about. I love that it also talks about many human traditions in correlation to the seasons. For example it talks about harvesting food and crops in the fall, and having county fairs. I love that the author combined the scientific topics along with events or activities that kids can relate to.
I would use this book to teach little ones about the seasons and give them a greater understanding for the change that they experience every year. I would also advise a student who loves science to read this book to broaden their perspective and try to challenge their brain. There are also many big words in this book that students might not know the meaning of and it's a great way to grow their vocabulary aswell
April 27, 2020
This is an informational book describing the four seasons in detail. First, the author starts by describing the relation of the sun to the Earth and how it makes its way around Earth every year. Then he details each season, explaining the reason for the temperature and sunlight during that season. For example, he says that it is colder in the winter because the Earth is the farthest away from the sun at that point. He also talks about the animals hibernating in winter and then coming out in the spring as the weather gets warmer.
I rated this book 4 stars because I thought it did a great job of explaining the seasons in detail for young children. The reason it did such a good job was that it explained the sun's rotations which is a little bit complicated, but it put the terms simply for young children to understand better. I also loved the illustrations and the border around the pages with more illustrations.
I rated this book 4 stars because I thought it did a great job of explaining the seasons in detail for young children. The reason it did such a good job was that it explained the sun's rotations which is a little bit complicated, but it put the terms simply for young children to understand better. I also loved the illustrations and the border around the pages with more illustrations.
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October 23, 2025Why is there winter in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time there is summer in the Northern Hemisphere? In summertime, why is it still light out in the evening? With simple language appropriate for young readers, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the four seasons and explains why they change throughout the year. Newly revised and vetted by experts, this updated edition of The Reasons for Seasons introduces the solstices, the equinoxes, and the tilt in Earth's axis that causes them, and gives examples of what each season is like across the globe from pole to pole. Clear, simple diagrams of the earth's orbit are labeled with important vocabulary, explained and reinforced with accessible explanations. Fascinating and easy to understand, this is a perfect introduction to seasons, earth's orbit, and axial tilt. Different effects on different parts of the world are included, illustrating the difference in climate between the equator, the northern and southern hemispheres, and the polar regions.
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December 3, 2018Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the four seasons and explains why they change throughout the year. Although this informational text can be used as an introduction to the season, the language used is very appropriate for the young reader. I used this in my fourth grade class but I would also find it suitable for grades K-5.
The Reason for Seasons introduces the solstices, the equinoxes, and the tilt in Earth's axis that causes them. My favorite part is that it gives examples of what each season is like across the globe from pole to pole for students to see and compare to ours. The book also includes clear illustrations and diagrams.
Of course this is a great to use to introduce earth's rotation in science, I would also use this as a mentor text in 4th grade ELA for the standard that discusses authors reasons and how the author uses points to supports their reasoning.
The Reason for Seasons introduces the solstices, the equinoxes, and the tilt in Earth's axis that causes them. My favorite part is that it gives examples of what each season is like across the globe from pole to pole for students to see and compare to ours. The book also includes clear illustrations and diagrams.
Of course this is a great to use to introduce earth's rotation in science, I would also use this as a mentor text in 4th grade ELA for the standard that discusses authors reasons and how the author uses points to supports their reasoning.
June 12, 2019
Originally published in 1995 this book became a staple in school libraries. Now it's back in a new and updated edition. Gail Gibbons knows how to write good nonfiction. Her writing is clear, crisp, and informative. She manages to cogently explain important science concepts while never talking down to her reader. Add that to her exceptional, colorful, kid-friendly illustrations and you have a sure winner. Here readers learn about the seasons. While the focus is on the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere is not ignored. Readers learn how the tilt of the earth's axis, as it orbits the sun, creates the seasons. Each season is briefly explained and explored. Seasonal changes at the equator are also examined. Plenty of diagrams illustrate key points. If you have the older version now's the time to upgrade.
June 11, 2019
The books created by Gail Gibbons are simply THE BEST out there for curious elementary grade students. Her ability to distill complicated topics into an easy-to-digest form is almost unparalleled. In this, an updated version of an earlier title, she introduces readers to the joys of the four seasons but is careful to explain why these changes in temperature and amounts of daylight occur. After reading this book, youngsters will be able to watch for changes in the natural world around them as various species either adapt or leave the area temporarily. This is one of those you-have-to-have-it books for primary classrooms. It's sure to leave readers wanting to find out even more.
October 13, 2018
Sometimes Gibbons' books are simplistic, but not this one. I like that it explains both how humans celebrate and enjoy the seasons, and what's happening in sun-earth cycles for the seasons to occur. I do NOT like that it says "different parts of the earth are closer to the sun than others" on the very first page. Misinformation! Confusing misinformation! And I wish the path the Earth takes around the sun was more circular than an ellipse. But other than those common errors, it's pretty good.
September 21, 2019
The author has done it again. Great book about the seasons and the reason for them.
She is accurate in her explanations of the seasons. I like that she brings some astrological science into her story. The story helps to start a list of things that happen in each season and it would be interesting to add to the list. The pictures are generous in color and depiction of the seasons. Interest in the different holidays that occur during each season will stimulate knowledge of other cultures.
She is accurate in her explanations of the seasons. I like that she brings some astrological science into her story. The story helps to start a list of things that happen in each season and it would be interesting to add to the list. The pictures are generous in color and depiction of the seasons. Interest in the different holidays that occur during each season will stimulate knowledge of other cultures.
March 21, 2023
I think that this is a great book to help teach children why we have the four seasons. It not only talks about what happens during each of these seasons on earth but also what is happening to earths rotation around the sun. I think that children will really enjoy this book because the illustrations are very engaging. I like how it included the beginning dates for each season.
October 3, 2024
This colorful book helps to explain why we have different seasons, in both the northern and southern hemispheres. It in no way talks down to children reading the book but gives clear and recognized scientific terms that they will hear for the rest of their lives. This book will be donated to St. Joseph’s School in Chehalis, WA.
January 15, 2021
The illustrations in this book are colorful and really draw the eye to them. The text I feel like could be simpler terms for kids that it based on. My kids did learn things about the earth rotation from this book. I did like how they explained the concepts of the seasons being the opposite depending on where you live. I do wish they had actual pictures rather then illustrations. I think it helps to actually see it then the illustrations. But in the end it's a good book.
October 16, 2025
An excellent and highly effective guide to understanding the seasons. The book succeeds brilliantly in breaking down a complex scientific topic—the interplay of the Earth's tilt and its orbit—into a concept that is clear and comprehensible for young readers. The text is a model of straightforward, impactful instruction. While not ornate, the illustrations are perfectly suited to the book's purpose, clarifying the text and enhancing understanding with functional, unambiguous visuals. It is a fantastic resource for any young learner curious about the workings of the natural world.
May 3, 2021
Nice but wordy!
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October 17, 2023This book is about the different seasons. The children would write 3 things that happen in each season.
August 9, 2016
The Reason for Seasons
Author: Gail Gibbons
Illustrator:
Date of Publication:1991
Genre: Non Fiction/Informational text
Summary: This book gives a clear, simple explanations for why we have seasons. The book also lists the different weather patterns and typical activities in various seasons.
Evaluative Commentary: The illustrations in the book greatly aid the comprehension of the concepts discussed in the text. The text is not too text heavy, however lay out might be a bit challenging for the younger children due to use of diagrams. This is a great introduction into topics of the season, but does not really go into depth on the various topics like animal migration or preparation for winter.
Discussion Questions:
(For the younger students)How many seasons do we have? Can you list them all? (before reading/prior knowledge assessment)
What happens to the Earth in relation to the sun throughout the year?
Can you show me on this map/globe where is the North pole? Where is the South pole?
How long does it take the Earth to make a full rotation? (see if they can make any connections to 24 hours in a day).
When is the Spring Equinox?
What is a migration?
What are some animals that migrate?
When we have Summer here in America in the Northern hemisphere, what season is it in Australia, the Southern Hemisphere?
When is the longest day of the year and what is it called?
How role does the equator play in the changing of the seasons? (older students, difficult concept).
How do some animals prepare themselves for winter? (would need additional texts/information)
Comprehension Strategy: It would be important to review/learn vocab definitions such as: equinox, solstice north/south pole, equator, migration .Can be part of a unit on seasons, animal migration, growing seasons, different geographical regions.. For the younger learners (Kindergarden, 1st grade) Emergent readers, the pictures reveal a lot.
Extension activity: Research a specific animal that migrates, can be an individual or a group project. Using a year worksheet/smart board projection circle (winter solstice/summer solstice, spring/autumn equinox).
Using a graphing organizer write/draw (depending on the age) your favorite activities for each of the four seasons (The book can be used as a referencing for ideas and spelling for the younger grades).
Discuss why leaves turn colors as part of a science unit.. additional research may be conducted by the students or provided by the teacher.
The class Can make a model out of modeling clay, string or paper mache to.
Do a bingo style game with different season facts.
Electronic resource: Fun activities related to Seasons, worksheets, fact sheets etc.
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/scien...
http://www.neok12.com/Seasons.htm videos, animations, lesson plans related to seasons.
Author: Gail Gibbons
Illustrator:
Date of Publication:1991
Genre: Non Fiction/Informational text
Summary: This book gives a clear, simple explanations for why we have seasons. The book also lists the different weather patterns and typical activities in various seasons.
Evaluative Commentary: The illustrations in the book greatly aid the comprehension of the concepts discussed in the text. The text is not too text heavy, however lay out might be a bit challenging for the younger children due to use of diagrams. This is a great introduction into topics of the season, but does not really go into depth on the various topics like animal migration or preparation for winter.
Discussion Questions:
(For the younger students)How many seasons do we have? Can you list them all? (before reading/prior knowledge assessment)
What happens to the Earth in relation to the sun throughout the year?
Can you show me on this map/globe where is the North pole? Where is the South pole?
How long does it take the Earth to make a full rotation? (see if they can make any connections to 24 hours in a day).
When is the Spring Equinox?
What is a migration?
What are some animals that migrate?
When we have Summer here in America in the Northern hemisphere, what season is it in Australia, the Southern Hemisphere?
When is the longest day of the year and what is it called?
How role does the equator play in the changing of the seasons? (older students, difficult concept).
How do some animals prepare themselves for winter? (would need additional texts/information)
Comprehension Strategy: It would be important to review/learn vocab definitions such as: equinox, solstice north/south pole, equator, migration .Can be part of a unit on seasons, animal migration, growing seasons, different geographical regions.. For the younger learners (Kindergarden, 1st grade) Emergent readers, the pictures reveal a lot.
Extension activity: Research a specific animal that migrates, can be an individual or a group project. Using a year worksheet/smart board projection circle (winter solstice/summer solstice, spring/autumn equinox).
Using a graphing organizer write/draw (depending on the age) your favorite activities for each of the four seasons (The book can be used as a referencing for ideas and spelling for the younger grades).
Discuss why leaves turn colors as part of a science unit.. additional research may be conducted by the students or provided by the teacher.
The class Can make a model out of modeling clay, string or paper mache to.
Do a bingo style game with different season facts.
Electronic resource: Fun activities related to Seasons, worksheets, fact sheets etc.
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/scien...
http://www.neok12.com/Seasons.htm videos, animations, lesson plans related to seasons.
September 24, 2012
Critical reading (Concept picture book)
The Reasons for Seasons –Gail Gibbons
Genre: Concept
Summary: This book gives illustrations along with simple vocabulary to explain why the seasons change. It also gives ideas of what animals and people do during these changes.
Critique:
(a) Area for comment: illustrations/accuracy
(b) The primary strength of this title is that it gives the reader written explanations of why the seasons change along with an illustration on each page to reinforce the “lesson” for those who may be more visual than auditory learners if the book were read aloud. Along with the photos of the sun and earth which are presented in a factual manner, the book also provides vivid and colorful child-like illustrations that make the written prose come to life.
(c) Pages 1 -4 have illustrations of the sun and earth and are absent of any colorful and inviting pictures. However, starting on page 5 and at the introduction of each new season, the author offers both a scientific illustration/explanation along with a bright and colorful photo to spark the interest of the early learner. Gibbons also sprinkles these images through the book. Even though the book is fun to read while learning, the facts remain accurate, “The tilt of Earth in relation to the sun changes throughout the year. This is what makes the seasons (p.2).
Curriculum Connection: This book is a nice resource for an elementary science unit on the Earth. It is easily understood and fun to read.
The Reasons for Seasons –Gail Gibbons
Genre: Concept
Summary: This book gives illustrations along with simple vocabulary to explain why the seasons change. It also gives ideas of what animals and people do during these changes.
Critique:
(a) Area for comment: illustrations/accuracy
(b) The primary strength of this title is that it gives the reader written explanations of why the seasons change along with an illustration on each page to reinforce the “lesson” for those who may be more visual than auditory learners if the book were read aloud. Along with the photos of the sun and earth which are presented in a factual manner, the book also provides vivid and colorful child-like illustrations that make the written prose come to life.
(c) Pages 1 -4 have illustrations of the sun and earth and are absent of any colorful and inviting pictures. However, starting on page 5 and at the introduction of each new season, the author offers both a scientific illustration/explanation along with a bright and colorful photo to spark the interest of the early learner. Gibbons also sprinkles these images through the book. Even though the book is fun to read while learning, the facts remain accurate, “The tilt of Earth in relation to the sun changes throughout the year. This is what makes the seasons (p.2).
Curriculum Connection: This book is a nice resource for an elementary science unit on the Earth. It is easily understood and fun to read.
April 23, 2015
Personal reaction: I think this book gives great information in simple ways while not talking down to readers. The one downside that I see in this book is it's illustrations, for some reason they are not very appealing to me. Overall I enjoy the explanations and the way the book is broken into the four seasons in the middle with more information on each. This book does a nice job of not just talking about winter is when it's cold and snows, and spring is when it's rainy, etc but explains why we have seasons and their change.
Purpose(s): This would be an excellent book to read at the beginning of a science unit on seasons for 1st or 2nd graders. It explains why we have seasons and then gives information on each season separately. The simple diagrams that show the earth's relation to the sun is good for young children. You may have to do a unit on planets before talking about the changes in seasons to make sense with this book. After introducing the concept of seasons to children you could read the sections on each individual season as you work on the seasons separately.
Other: The credibility of this book is shown in the author's thanks to a astronomy professor, who she most likely collaborated or got information from. Also note that this book was copyrighted in 1995, while the information is probably still accurate in this case, it is important to check that it has not changed or become outdated.
Purpose(s): This would be an excellent book to read at the beginning of a science unit on seasons for 1st or 2nd graders. It explains why we have seasons and then gives information on each season separately. The simple diagrams that show the earth's relation to the sun is good for young children. You may have to do a unit on planets before talking about the changes in seasons to make sense with this book. After introducing the concept of seasons to children you could read the sections on each individual season as you work on the seasons separately.
Other: The credibility of this book is shown in the author's thanks to a astronomy professor, who she most likely collaborated or got information from. Also note that this book was copyrighted in 1995, while the information is probably still accurate in this case, it is important to check that it has not changed or become outdated.
September 22, 2012
The Reasons for Seasons
1-Genre: Concept
2-This book explains why and how the earth has different seasons.
3-(a) The area for comment with this book is accuracy.
(b) This author does a great job explaining why we have the seasons we have. The reader is shown through illustration the tilt in the earth’s axis during each season. She also explains in depth what is happening during those seasons.
(c) When the reader comes to the page discussing the summer season the reader is informed on many accurate details. The reader is shown the direction of the earth’s tilt on the axis. They are also told that the first day of summer is called the summer solstice and that it is the longest day of the year. It is also explained that throughout the summer the daylight is long while the nights are short. Then the book moves into the autumn season. The reader is shown that the sun is now directly opposite the equator again in the Northern Hemisphere. The book also explains to the reader why birds migrate during this season and farmers harvest their crops.
4-This is a great addition to add to the end of a science lesson. This piece of literature can be used to reinforce the information taught during a lesson on seasons. Students will be able to make connections by hearing the information and seeing the illustrations.
1-Genre: Concept
2-This book explains why and how the earth has different seasons.
3-(a) The area for comment with this book is accuracy.
(b) This author does a great job explaining why we have the seasons we have. The reader is shown through illustration the tilt in the earth’s axis during each season. She also explains in depth what is happening during those seasons.
(c) When the reader comes to the page discussing the summer season the reader is informed on many accurate details. The reader is shown the direction of the earth’s tilt on the axis. They are also told that the first day of summer is called the summer solstice and that it is the longest day of the year. It is also explained that throughout the summer the daylight is long while the nights are short. Then the book moves into the autumn season. The reader is shown that the sun is now directly opposite the equator again in the Northern Hemisphere. The book also explains to the reader why birds migrate during this season and farmers harvest their crops.
4-This is a great addition to add to the end of a science lesson. This piece of literature can be used to reinforce the information taught during a lesson on seasons. Students will be able to make connections by hearing the information and seeing the illustrations.
Read
October 7, 2013Picture Book Log: Concept Book
Review Source: textbook pg. 73
This book is very help with the scientific reasoning of why the seasons occur and how they occur. It reads almost like a textbook, but it has colorful pictures and explanations to go along with it.
This story has a lot of pictures in it! Some pages have four smaller pictures and other have pictures that take up the whole page. This book also has one scientific pictures and some pictures of different settings during the seasons. I like that each season has its own section of the book so you can read about one season a day or a lesson so it does not get confusing for the students. I also really liked how they mentioned the differences between the northern and southern hemispheres.
I will definitely use this book in my classroom in the future. Not only does it give perfect simple explanations for why the seasons are changing, it also gives detailed and labeled pictures, and gives the definitions of key terms that the students are going to need to know. This book is great for classroom use, it could even replace the textbook for this lesson. I have never seen a textbook explain and illustrate the reason for the seasons as well as this book does.
Review Source: textbook pg. 73
This book is very help with the scientific reasoning of why the seasons occur and how they occur. It reads almost like a textbook, but it has colorful pictures and explanations to go along with it.
This story has a lot of pictures in it! Some pages have four smaller pictures and other have pictures that take up the whole page. This book also has one scientific pictures and some pictures of different settings during the seasons. I like that each season has its own section of the book so you can read about one season a day or a lesson so it does not get confusing for the students. I also really liked how they mentioned the differences between the northern and southern hemispheres.
I will definitely use this book in my classroom in the future. Not only does it give perfect simple explanations for why the seasons are changing, it also gives detailed and labeled pictures, and gives the definitions of key terms that the students are going to need to know. This book is great for classroom use, it could even replace the textbook for this lesson. I have never seen a textbook explain and illustrate the reason for the seasons as well as this book does.
September 24, 2013
I used this book as my concept book for my picture book project. The source was the textbook. I really enjoyed this book because it provided a lot of information for children in an easier format. I took astronomy twice, once as a student and then again as a teaching assistance, so i can most definitely understand how confusing and complex the changing in the seasons may be. However, this book does a phenomenal job in showing informative illustrations and text to explain further what is going on in the illustrations and diagrams. I think that showing the children in the book experiencing each season makes the reader feel as if they are apart of the journey. My only problem with this book is that it provides perhaps too much information for children at once and unless they already have some prior knowledge on it the student will need assistance in completely understanding the concepts being presented in this book. This is definitely a book that I can see using in my future classroom, however, the depth that I would go into this book would depend on the grade level I will be teaching. Overall, it was a great, informational read on some big concepts that I was able to refresh on myself.
Want to read
March 23, 2015Gail Gibbons writes a plethora of non-fiction books that are perfect for a 2-4 classroom. This particular book describes how the position of the sun causes seasons. The book is easy to understand and the terms are not too difficult for students if they have not learned the terms yet. Gibbons also does her own illustrations, which are beautiful and really capture the bright colors of the sun and the seasons. Gibbons also describes the solstices and the equinox.
In the classroom this book would be perfect for an introduction into seasons, or a good book to read in the middle or the end of the unit. Children sometimes have a difficult time understanding different weather on other sides of the earth, along with different seasons, and this book would be a good clarification of that. It also is a good start in introducing terms and the concept of seasons. This book could be read aloud and then kept available in the classroom for students to refer back to when necessary.
I loved this book, along with a few other of Gail Gibbons books. The illustrations are beautiful and the book is perfect for students to understand, especially when the topic is new. Because of this book, I actually purchased a few other books of Gibbons'.
In the classroom this book would be perfect for an introduction into seasons, or a good book to read in the middle or the end of the unit. Children sometimes have a difficult time understanding different weather on other sides of the earth, along with different seasons, and this book would be a good clarification of that. It also is a good start in introducing terms and the concept of seasons. This book could be read aloud and then kept available in the classroom for students to refer back to when necessary.
I loved this book, along with a few other of Gail Gibbons books. The illustrations are beautiful and the book is perfect for students to understand, especially when the topic is new. Because of this book, I actually purchased a few other books of Gibbons'.
October 1, 2012
The Reasons for the Seasons, by Gail Gibbons (Holiday House, 1995) p.32
Picture book: Concept
Summary: This book is about the changing seasons. The book takes us through each season in turn and the reasons for the change.
a) The illustrations are very well done. They start out eh first page with all four seasons showing children what the book talks about. The pages are glossy and the words talk about how the animals react to the changes of the seasons too.
b) The seasons each have pages that explain the relation of the earth to the sun and how that changes the seasons. This can be a difficult concept for children to understand and the book does it beautifully.
c) Pages seven and eight show the relation of the earth to the sun for all four seasons. Autumn shows how the tilt of the earth’s axis effects how much sun hits the surface of the earth and where it hits, this is an absolutely fabulous book!
Curriculum Connection: This book could be used for science to teach the seasons, to teach the relation between the earth and sun in the changing of the seasons.
Picture book: Concept
Summary: This book is about the changing seasons. The book takes us through each season in turn and the reasons for the change.
a) The illustrations are very well done. They start out eh first page with all four seasons showing children what the book talks about. The pages are glossy and the words talk about how the animals react to the changes of the seasons too.
b) The seasons each have pages that explain the relation of the earth to the sun and how that changes the seasons. This can be a difficult concept for children to understand and the book does it beautifully.
c) Pages seven and eight show the relation of the earth to the sun for all four seasons. Autumn shows how the tilt of the earth’s axis effects how much sun hits the surface of the earth and where it hits, this is an absolutely fabulous book!
Curriculum Connection: This book could be used for science to teach the seasons, to teach the relation between the earth and sun in the changing of the seasons.
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