Bees, Snails, and Peacock Tails: Patterns and Shapes . . . Naturally

by Betsy Franco, Steve Jenkins (Illustrator)

Come explore the hidden shapes and patterns in nature. The peacock's flashy tail is a masterpiece of color and shape. A buzzing beehive is built of tiny hexagons. Even a snake's skin is patterned with diamonds.
Poet Betsy Franco and Caldecott Honor winner Steve Jenkins bring geometry to life in this lively, lyrical look at the shapes and patterns that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Nonfiction, Mathematics, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 2008

About the author

Betsy Franco is an accomplished and versatile author whose body of work spans over 80 published titles, including fiction, young adult novels, picture books, and poetry collections. Known for her creative, collage-like approach to storytelling, Franco has also written a screenplay for each of her novels, with Naked optioned for film and The Art of Love currently in post-production.
Franco has a strong background in film and theater, having served as the screenwriting mentor for Metamorphosis, Junior Year, a film adaptation of her novel and play. The project was a family collaboration involving her sons James and Tom Franco, and it was well received at major festivals including Cinequest and Mill Valley, earning recognition as a top ten film by the San Jose Mercury News.
Her creative partnerships with her sons continue across various mediums: she appeared in James Franco’s film The Broken Tower and on General Hospital, while Tom Franco has illustrated her books and co-produced films with her. She also works closely with her son Dave Franco, who assists with her writing projects and participated in the audiobook of Metamorphosis, Junior Year alongside James.

Reviews

[Emily Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book I chose to review is Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails by Betsy Franco. This poetry book is all about animals and all of the different shapes and patterns they make. She writes about how bees are smart because their beehives are made of hexagons and they all fit perfectly side by side and that the male peacocks are the colorful ones who attract the plain females with their beautiful tail feathers. I had no idea that geese and swans travel in a V shaped formation because it helps them fly with less effort and they are quieter so that they can fly peacefully. She writes about spiders, snails, snakes, moths, and many more fascinating creatures. The facts about these animals are interesting because she makes learning about them fun. The rhyming words make it easier to read for children. She also uses imagery very well. Also, the shape of the writing goes with the drawing. The page about the geese, she forms a V shape with her words. The page about the puffer fish, the words are encircled around the fish and the starfish page, the words are written on a rock underwater. Kids from age five to eight should read this book because it is not only fun to read, it will teach them interesting facts about animals that they may not have known. I am 19 years old and I did not know some of these facts. The illustrator, Steve Jenkins, uses a lot of colors. He captures the blue and green of a peacock tail perfectly and the moth is drawn in perfect symmetry. The texture is almost realistic like I can touch the animals, trees, or water on the pages. The lines of the drawings are precise and the colors come together beautifully. I recommend this book to primary children. Not only are they learning about poetry, but they are also learning about animals that children do not necessarily learn about in school. In the back of the book, there are even more facts about these animals. She uses poetic techniques that may interest children to learn more about poetry.

[Anna Akers-Pecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores patterns in nature (snail shells, male peacock feathers, spider webs, and more) with lyrical poetry and colorful images by a Caldecott-winning artist. On some pages, the text is scattered throughout the page, such as in the beehive where the poem says “The hexagons / you’ll find inside / fit side / by side / by side / by side.” with each row of text by a different hexagon (which I thought was clever from a spatial relationships mathematical standpoint!).

Connections to "big ideas" in math:
Geometry/Algebra (Patterns): Shapes can be defined and classified by their attributes, and the same pattern can be found in many different forms.

Ideas for teaching:
-I would use this book as a kick-off for going on a pattern walk to see what patterns we can find in our school or outside on the patio/in the neighborhood park.
-With the bees, I could bring out pattern blocks for many explorations, including seeing how many ways we can make a hexagon out of other shapes.

Considerations for use with dual-language learners (DLLs) or students with special needs: The rhyming is engaging. Some of the words are more complex (for example, Franco mentions “the mathematical genius of the bee”). I might scaffold by revisiting the book a few different times, doing a picture walk first to see what we notice from the illustrations before reading the accompanying poetry.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bees, snails, & peacock tails shows the hidden patterns in nature. It doesn’t only show amazing pictures, this book describes the beauty of the bee, peacock, snail, and other animals. This book highlights the characteristics of these animals by using concrete and lyrical poetry to visually show their shape. The poems explain their habits and other aspects of each animal. I loved the different colors in this book, I think they add to the overall experience for the reader. I am a sucker for concrete poetry because it is so cool to look at. The author does a fantastic job on integrating poetry and animals to create a book that appeals to not only young children, but adults as well. I would highly recommend this book to be used in a classroom as an example of concrete poetry.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry picture book about patterns in nature brought delight to my children, through its vibrant pictures, and the engaging poetry and the fascinating concepts. Franco and Jenkins explore the many forms and functions of nature’s geometry. They show the mathematical genius of the bee, as it fits hexagons side by side in its honeycomb. They light up our eyes with the symmetry of the moth, showing the "stunning 'eyes', perfectly matched on either side."

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

With vibrant illustrations and simple poems, animal patterns and shapes are highlighted in this collection of poetry. "...Creatures on land, in the air, in the sea/ make patterns and shapes/ quite naturally." The text includes a very short blurb about each animal and distills the math connection.

Recommended for students in kindergarten through grade 2. This book probably fits better with a math class than in a poetry unit, though obviously it can be used their as well.

[Hope L. Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see a lot of recommendations for this book but not a lot of love for it. Let me say I think it is an excellent piece of art. The illustrations are made from collages using stressing geometry, while the plot also talks of geometry in nature. On top of this excellent cohesiveness in the illustrations, the poetry meter is symmetrical and even. It is a lovely and very tight work of art. Highly underrated.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who loves exploring nature, this book is a favorite. Blending math and science with poetic language and collage artistry, it checks nearly every box for me: beautiful pictures, rhythmical words, and new ideas to learn. One part poetry, one part informational text, one part picture book, any child would be enchanted by this charming work.

[Jaden]

Poetry Book

This is a great informational poetry book. The author explains how different shapes are created naturally in various places. Bees, snails and peacock tails all create some sort of shape. It doesn't matter if it's on land, in the water or in the air. Shapes and patterns are everywhere.

[Michelle Turnure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book to my daughter many times now. The writing is wonderful and my daughter does not tire from me reading this out loud to her. You learn a lot about different animals including peacocks, mice, snakes, bees and sea stars. Each layout is beautifully designed - a mix of illustrations and cut outs on different papers. The colors are bold and captivating. My daughter especially was drawn to the spider and its web layout.

[Whole And · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous book on symmetry, patterns and geometric shapes in nature written in lyrical prose.
A rich visual and reading experience cultivating a love for math and revealing the mystery and beauty in nature.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fascinating that there are so many beautiful designs, shapes and patterns in nature. In this book the reader learns about the marvels of birds, insects, and other creatures of nature. Gorgeous illustrations.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhyming text provides info about various animals from spiders to puffer fish to peacocks.

Focuses on facts about animals somewhat related to pattern or shape.

Much stronger science book than a math book.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both the rhymes and the concepts felt forced (ants don't walk in a straight line on purpose- that's not math, that's science!).

[Michelle Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative poems and beautiful collage illustrations.

[Susan Eubank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice exploration of nature's shapes explained in rhyme, which occasionally gets slightly overwrought, but it works in the end for storytime.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended

Rich vocabulary
Rhymes
Perfect for little ones to spark interest

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a interesting book about different shapes and patterns found in nature. The text is lyrical and with rhyming. My three year old enjoyed it.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! The illustrations of Steve Jenkins are great.

[Katy Bosch]

Wishlist

[Aaron Siclovan · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book which is written in poetry form, the author stresses patterns, shapes, and color. In nature, there is a lot of geometry in shapes. The worker bees create thousands of hexagons to make their honeycombs. The worker bees pass their mathematical knowledge to other worker bees. The eyes of moths are perfectly matched on both sides of their bodies and the moths use their wings to form many shapes of their bodies. Spider webs are a true work of art. The spiders first spin the the frame work and straight lines of their web. Then the spider weaves the spiral part of the web. This part is sticky and will catch its prey. The spiders make geometric shapes in their web. Peacocks have spectacular color and beautiful "eye spots" in their "tail." Betsy Franco, the author, describes the creatures in this book and describes the patterns and shapes they form, such as the sea snails that have a shell that has spirals.

Steve Jenkins created the illustrations in this book. The pictures in this book are collages. These pictures are fascinating especially because they were created by using collages. Children will learn geometric shapes, angles, and lines by reading this book. The last two pages of the book contains additional information about each creature the author wrote about. This book is very interesting, and I highly recommend this excellent book for children to read. only God can create these wonderful shapes and colors!

[Karen Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
This poem shows children how animals naturally use shapes and patterns for a variety of reasons. Bees construct their honeycombs in a hexagon shape so they fit together nicely and to make them strong. Moths have symmetrical wings with an "eye" on each. Spiderwebs contain several geometric shapes. Migrating birds fly in a "V" formation, and ants march in a line. Some snakes have diamond or triangle shape on their backs, and puffer fish, when puffed up, are spherical. All of these shapes and patterns help the animals to be camoflauged, to work together effectively, to scare off or attract other animals, and to explore the world.

Age Range:
The age range for this book/poem is 5-8 years (primary) because the vocabulary is geared for this age group. Also, it is appropriate for this age group because they are learning the basics about how the world works.

Artistic Elements:
The illustrator used the collage method for this book/poem. He used mainly darker (but still vibrant)colors on darker backgrounds.

Recommendation:
I would definitely recommend this book. It uses wonderful pictures (the book is a Caldecott Honor Medalist) and well written poetry to educate children about how patterns and shapes are used in nature and how these patterns and shapes are helpful to the animals.

[Paige Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was a fantastic combination of poetry, mathematics, and facts about animals of all shapes and sizes. On each page there was a beautiful picture with nonfiction information in poetic form creatively written on each page. There is one poem that really stands out in my mind when I try to describe this book and it is the one about the puffer fish at the end of the book. The author has two pictures of a puffer fish, one that it is deflated, and another that is all puffed up like a sphere. This page reminds the reader that a sphere is a round object you can hold by not only drawing the fish in that matter, but placing the words in a circular motion surrounding the enlarged fish. This gives the picture a true 3D look and would really benefit children trying to remember the difference between a circle and a sphere. I would use this book for that purpose and for a review of math material. I think that using this book to demonstrate patterns and shapes in real-life situations would reach more students rather than just asking them to memorize the concept. This allows them to associate the shape or pattern with an interesting image thus creating a channel for memory.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of poetry is a great example of a story that I would use to read aloud or to begin a unit on nature. The pictures are very vivid and beautiful and the reader will find so many illustrations of animals that they might not see on a daily basis.
The way every page rhymes in the poetry phrases keeps listeners engages and learning. I love that the title rhymes and every page is not without this feature. The author did a great job with how she arranged the words on the page around the illustrations to pull attention to the actual details of the pictures. The spiral writing is captivating and really makes you think about what is being said to the audience. There are even more creative techniques present that allow readers to become inspired by the words. This would be a great book for younger students in the kindergarten level through first grade. This would be a great piece to then start writing our own poetry about the creatures in our own lives. Illustrations will also be a must have!

[Cynnea Schreibman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Franco, B., & Jenkins, S. (2008). Bees, snails, & peacock tails: Patterns & shapes-- naturally. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Bees, snails, & peacock tails shows the hidden patterns in nature. It doesn’t only show amazing pictures, this book describes the beauty of the bee, peacock, snail, and other animals. The bee, peacock, and snail are highlights of the book by providing concrete and lyrical poetry explaining their shape and habits.
Critique: I loved the different colors in this book, however, I think the author should have elaborated more on bees, snails, and peacock tails because that’s what the title is. The author talked more about other animals so it could get the reader confused. This book would be good for all ages but it is not on my top list of poetry books. The illustrations were very good, however, the plot of the story was eh. This book would be good to introduce poetry, and I will have it in my classroom, because it is something kids will really enjoy.

[Alisha Funkhouser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franco, B., & Jenkins, S. (2008). Bees, snails, & peacock tails: Patterns & shapes-- naturally. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

School Library Journal Review

Concept Book

I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, there are almost two concepts to this book. It could be used as a book to learn about shapes and patterns, but it also teaches about different animals and their habits or behaviors. The illustrations are actually collages and they almost seem real or real as in they look like they could be fuzzy or that they pop off the page. The book itself informs the reader how shapes and patterns exist in our world naturally. It uses vocabulary like symmetry or hexagon. There is a lot to learn from this book and that is why I like it so much. I would definitely use this book to start a lesson about shapes or patterns.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades Pre-K through 3

Franco and Jenkins collaborated to create a wonderful exploration of patterns in nature. The collection of poems can be appreciated at many levels: it can be read from beginning to end, poems can be read and appreciated on their own, children can find patterns in the bold cut-paper images, and each animal can inspire further investigation-the goal of any good informational book. The book ends with more information about each of the animals. One perplexing addition to the collection is the puffer fish; it seems out of place, as no pattern is highlighted in either the poem or the endnotes.

[Ally Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franco, B., & Jenkins, S. (2008). Bees, snails, & peacock tails: Patterns & shapes-- naturally. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Bees, snails, & peacock tails shows the hidden patterns in nature. It doesn’t only show amazing pictures, this book describes the beauty of the bee, peacock, snail, and other animals. The bee, peacock, and snail are highlights of the book by providing concrete and lyrical poetry explaining their shape and habits. I loved the different colors in this book, however, I think the author should have elaborated more on bees, snails, and peacock tails because that’s what the title is.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exploring patterns and shapes, this book highlights the wonder of nature through the efficient hexagonal structure of beehives, the symmetry of a moth's wings, the wedge-shaped pattern of geese in flight, the pattern of a mouse's footprints in the snow, and other examples. The masterful collage illustrations make it a worthwhile read. However, while the explanations contribute to a child's artistic and mathematical knowledge as well as appreciation for nature, the contrived nature of the rhyming text detracts. With better text, it could be great, but it's merely adequate as is.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My four-year-old son picked this book out from the library this week.

I love, love, love the artwork in this book. I love, love, love the mathematical references in this book. But I only like, like, like the book itself -- it was the poetry that made me fall out of love.

I really do not like forced, cobbled poetry. This book starts out just fine and avoids that trap, until about halfway through. The lines became too long, the meter became jagged, and the rhyme became forced. All the joy was gone and my love affair was over.

[Cemeread · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a poetry book, but I think it can work well in conjunction with another book about patterns and shapes in animals. Although the poems do not give any explanations about the pattern, such as geese flying in a v to slice through the air, end pages add more information about each of the animal patterns. Under migrating birds these pages mention how the shape gives lift to the birds behind and why they take turns being leader. The collage illustrations are large making it easier to see the pattern or shape and are full of natural colors.