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Round and Round Goes Mother Nature: 48 Stories of Life Cycles Around the World
This truly beautiful and wonderfully illustrated book introduces children to the magic of nature, through the stories of 48 fascinating life cycles.
Every story has a beginning, middle and end and so does everything in our world. From a frog, to a cloud in the sky to a twinkling star at night, discover the stories of the most amazing of life cycles between you and outer space.
This is a book to show children that the world is always turning , and change is happening all the time, it's in the turning of the season, sometimes its as fast as a hatching egg and sometimes it's a slow as a growing mountain.
48 story spreads tell fascinating stories of all sorts of lifecycles , from very small, to out of this world. This captivating book will transport children across the globe , teaching them about just how mother nature keeps everything in our world turning round, and round.
Every story has a beginning, middle and end and so does everything in our world. From a frog, to a cloud in the sky to a twinkling star at night, discover the stories of the most amazing of life cycles between you and outer space.
This is a book to show children that the world is always turning , and change is happening all the time, it's in the turning of the season, sometimes its as fast as a hatching egg and sometimes it's a slow as a growing mountain.
48 story spreads tell fascinating stories of all sorts of lifecycles , from very small, to out of this world. This captivating book will transport children across the globe , teaching them about just how mother nature keeps everything in our world turning round, and round.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 6, 2023
This book is all about the processes of nature that make this world running. There are different life cycles mentioned here to let readers know about how life goes on earth. The purpose of reproduction is not to just make babies but to pass-on the information generations after generations about how this world is running since its own birth or to be specific the birth of life on earth.
In nutshell, it is a good nature book for subject lovers and contains appropriate knowledge on the same.
My NetGalley reviews
In nutshell, it is a good nature book for subject lovers and contains appropriate knowledge on the same.
My NetGalley reviews
March 16, 2023
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions, for the advance reading copy.
I really love this book. Each page holds a different whole world of a life form. Short but comprehensive life cycles about each, from the smallest to the biggest, from those who are living in different ecosystems are being illustrated in the best amazing ways. The description is simple yet complete I would say. Perfect for gifting and for personal collection. Amazing book.
I really love this book. Each page holds a different whole world of a life form. Short but comprehensive life cycles about each, from the smallest to the biggest, from those who are living in different ecosystems are being illustrated in the best amazing ways. The description is simple yet complete I would say. Perfect for gifting and for personal collection. Amazing book.
April 18, 2023
Round and Round Goes Mother Nature is one of the most gorgeous educational books I've laid my eyes on.
Both informative and detailed, this book offers a unique glimpse into the world through beautiful illustrations and easily absorbed pockets of information.
The human section was loved by my children. Each section is unique and I found myself easily absorbed by this book.
If you've ever wondered about the lifecycles or unique details of our universe and how to explain them then this is the book you need.
I was gifted a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thanks Quarto Publishing and Netgalley
Both informative and detailed, this book offers a unique glimpse into the world through beautiful illustrations and easily absorbed pockets of information.
The human section was loved by my children. Each section is unique and I found myself easily absorbed by this book.
If you've ever wondered about the lifecycles or unique details of our universe and how to explain them then this is the book you need.
I was gifted a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thanks Quarto Publishing and Netgalley
March 14, 2023
A beautiful book with rich colour and detailed illustrations. I enjoyed looking at this with my child and appreciate how the author chose to focus on species and subjects that don't always feature in this type of book. A must for nature loving little ones!
December 19, 2024
(3.5 stars) When my team and I were learning about how to motivate our students to read different kinds of books, we had to select books from our new school library ourselves. I found this one in the educational book section and I fell in love with the cover and the title. The Dutch title is: Every ending is a new beginning. And that really spoke to me, because this is also how I try to look at life. I borrowed a copy from my local library and read it in the comfort of my own home.
The book is divided into 4 categories; animals, plants & funghi, earth and space. Each category has 6 to 18 specific subjects, to which two full pages are dedicated (and this book is huge!).
Some chapters were a bit boring or not that interesting, because the information on there is quite common. At least for me. But there were also some very surprising facts that I did not know! I would like to share a few with you that stood out to me;
- The immortal jellyfish can reverse their lifecycle, which makes them "immortal".
- A female sea devil completely absorbs the body of the male sea devil, who will latch onto the female with his teeth.
- Polar bears are polyamorous.
- A Mammoth tree weighs about the same as 400 elephants.
- The seeds of a Lotus flower can survive for over 2000 years! That means seeds from Ancient Egypt could still bloom today!
- The moon will be so far removed in +- 600 million years, that she won't be able to obscure the sun.
Super interesting facts!
And then there's the art... Every single illustration is incredibly beautiful! The colours that have been used. The love and work that had been put into creating these breathtaking pages. It's just great! I know my students would be able to stare at these pages for hours and hours. The information that is shared fits the illustrations well, but I have to admit that the reading order is confusing from time to time. Each chapter is divided in these "panels", but their order is quite random at times. I had to look twice before I found the next piece of information that I was supposed to read. It didn't really ruin the flow, but it was slightly annoying.
Overall, an interesting and beautiful book. I can see myself using these stories to teach about a specific plant or animal.
The book is divided into 4 categories; animals, plants & funghi, earth and space. Each category has 6 to 18 specific subjects, to which two full pages are dedicated (and this book is huge!).
Some chapters were a bit boring or not that interesting, because the information on there is quite common. At least for me. But there were also some very surprising facts that I did not know! I would like to share a few with you that stood out to me;
- The immortal jellyfish can reverse their lifecycle, which makes them "immortal".
- A female sea devil completely absorbs the body of the male sea devil, who will latch onto the female with his teeth.
- Polar bears are polyamorous.
- A Mammoth tree weighs about the same as 400 elephants.
- The seeds of a Lotus flower can survive for over 2000 years! That means seeds from Ancient Egypt could still bloom today!
- The moon will be so far removed in +- 600 million years, that she won't be able to obscure the sun.
Super interesting facts!
And then there's the art... Every single illustration is incredibly beautiful! The colours that have been used. The love and work that had been put into creating these breathtaking pages. It's just great! I know my students would be able to stare at these pages for hours and hours. The information that is shared fits the illustrations well, but I have to admit that the reading order is confusing from time to time. Each chapter is divided in these "panels", but their order is quite random at times. I had to look twice before I found the next piece of information that I was supposed to read. It didn't really ruin the flow, but it was slightly annoying.
Overall, an interesting and beautiful book. I can see myself using these stories to teach about a specific plant or animal.
April 12, 2023
A fine science book, looking initially at the life cycle of multiple diverse animals. Some get one page, but generally it's a full spread each, and whether we knew the critters concerned had a notable biology – the seahorse with its male 'pregnancy', or the anglerfish sacrificing his entire body to deliver his sperm – or not, surprises are always around the corner. From the mayfly and other insects who have no ability to eat as they just need to breed, and quick, to the orang utan child so slow to maturity, to the, er, well the typical farm chicken, a lot is here, bringing this particular aspect of life to welcome attention.
Visually the pages are closest to graphic novels and comics, I would suggest – certainly the henhouse is used to break up the images into frames, as are the honeycomb hexagons for the bee. It reads about the pace of a comic, too, with slender little fragments of text as we see the details of the life cycle, and now and again one of the beasties pops out with a comment of its own (although not in a bad, annoying way – until you get to some of the plants, that is). Tiny flashes of starburst herald some added trivia.
And then we have the third section, on mother nature's other cycles and pathways – the birth and evolution of a storm cloud, the genesis of a crystal, the continental drift. Moving even further out in scope it's the phases of the moon, the history of a comet's orbit, and so on. All of which is great, but I do wonder if we might not have stuck to the biology without including the geology and black holes etc. Yes, the world is built of life cycles and passing phases, but from the sunflower to the sun in just a few pages seems a bit confused. It doesn't stop this from being a very educational book, and a successful one with variation in visuals aplenty and lots of good information and examples, but in leaving biology for the shelf of general science it might not have done it – or us – a perfect service. Buyers should definitely know this is interdisciplinary before seeing that I think what we still have is of four star quality.
Visually the pages are closest to graphic novels and comics, I would suggest – certainly the henhouse is used to break up the images into frames, as are the honeycomb hexagons for the bee. It reads about the pace of a comic, too, with slender little fragments of text as we see the details of the life cycle, and now and again one of the beasties pops out with a comment of its own (although not in a bad, annoying way – until you get to some of the plants, that is). Tiny flashes of starburst herald some added trivia.
And then we have the third section, on mother nature's other cycles and pathways – the birth and evolution of a storm cloud, the genesis of a crystal, the continental drift. Moving even further out in scope it's the phases of the moon, the history of a comet's orbit, and so on. All of which is great, but I do wonder if we might not have stuck to the biology without including the geology and black holes etc. Yes, the world is built of life cycles and passing phases, but from the sunflower to the sun in just a few pages seems a bit confused. It doesn't stop this from being a very educational book, and a successful one with variation in visuals aplenty and lots of good information and examples, but in leaving biology for the shelf of general science it might not have done it – or us – a perfect service. Buyers should definitely know this is interdisciplinary before seeing that I think what we still have is of four star quality.
June 5, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up.
This large, beautiful book features information about the life cycles of animals and plants, as well as parts of earth and outer space. The attractive illustrations and short sections of information will appeal to kids who are interested in science, and the book includes both straight scientific facts and playful, imaginary asides from the subjects featured.
Parents should also know that the information about mating might raise questions that they should be prepared to answer. A few pages show illustrations of creatures mating, but only in a very non-graphic way, and the references to mating are usually only in the text.
The information gets repetitive at times, since so many parts of the life cycle are similar, so this is best read in small doses. There are also multiple typos, and there are moments where the book is confusing to read because the different factoids don't appear in typical reading order. Sometimes, they'll almost go in a circle, but then some of them will be arranged differently, and it can be confusing to tell which comes first.
Overall, this book is very unique and enjoyable, sharing scientific information about a wide variety of creatures and things. This is great for people who are interested in teaching their kids more about science, and although parents will need to read this with younger children because of the complex information and occasionally confusing format, older kids can enjoy perusing this on their own. This book can also appeal to teens and adults.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
This large, beautiful book features information about the life cycles of animals and plants, as well as parts of earth and outer space. The attractive illustrations and short sections of information will appeal to kids who are interested in science, and the book includes both straight scientific facts and playful, imaginary asides from the subjects featured.
Parents should also know that the information about mating might raise questions that they should be prepared to answer. A few pages show illustrations of creatures mating, but only in a very non-graphic way, and the references to mating are usually only in the text.
The information gets repetitive at times, since so many parts of the life cycle are similar, so this is best read in small doses. There are also multiple typos, and there are moments where the book is confusing to read because the different factoids don't appear in typical reading order. Sometimes, they'll almost go in a circle, but then some of them will be arranged differently, and it can be confusing to tell which comes first.
Overall, this book is very unique and enjoyable, sharing scientific information about a wide variety of creatures and things. This is great for people who are interested in teaching their kids more about science, and although parents will need to read this with younger children because of the complex information and occasionally confusing format, older kids can enjoy perusing this on their own. This book can also appeal to teens and adults.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2025
This is a truly stunning book sure to delight both children and adults. Filled with fascinating facts about life on our planet, and even information about our solar system, this beautifully illustrated book is entertaining as well as educational.
Even this crusty old lady learned some stuff:
Lotus seeds can lie dormant for over 2,000 years. Then, if put in the right conditions, they can take root and bloom. This means that seeds from ancient Egyptian times could still grow and flower today.
The Greenland shark is the longest living vertebrate on the planet. Not much is known about this creature, but some scientists estimate that some of these sharks could be over 500 years old. The female is not mature enough to reproduce until she is 150 years old!
Then there's this lovely makes-you-think moment:
. . . because so little water leaves the earth's atmosphere the water in your glass may well have rained on the very first dinosaurs!
Despite a few GLARING typos (and, yes, I'm reviewing a physical copy of the book), this is a wonderful volume that belongs in every school and public library.
Many thanks to Quarto and NetGalley for providing an ARC, though I'm so glad I was able to see the finished project. It's spectacular!
Even this crusty old lady learned some stuff:
Lotus seeds can lie dormant for over 2,000 years. Then, if put in the right conditions, they can take root and bloom. This means that seeds from ancient Egyptian times could still grow and flower today.
The Greenland shark is the longest living vertebrate on the planet. Not much is known about this creature, but some scientists estimate that some of these sharks could be over 500 years old. The female is not mature enough to reproduce until she is 150 years old!
Then there's this lovely makes-you-think moment:
. . . because so little water leaves the earth's atmosphere the water in your glass may well have rained on the very first dinosaurs!
Despite a few GLARING typos (and, yes, I'm reviewing a physical copy of the book), this is a wonderful volume that belongs in every school and public library.
Many thanks to Quarto and NetGalley for providing an ARC, though I'm so glad I was able to see the finished project. It's spectacular!
April 1, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Beautiful cover!
Round and Round Goes Mother Nature: 48 Stories of Life Cycles Around the World by Gabby Dawnay is a truly beautiful and wonderfully illustrated book that introduces children to the magic of nature through stories of 48 fascinating life cycles.
Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end - just like everything in our world. This is what makes this book exceptional; it shows children that change is happening all around us, from the turning of seasons to the hatching egg or growing mountain.
The book contains captivating stories of different life cycles, both small and out-of-this-world. It will take you on a journey across the globe, teaching you about how mother nature keeps everything turning round and round.
I was amazed by how colorful and gorgeous the graphics in this book are. The layout is well-arranged, making it easy for children to follow along. Additionally, there are plenty of interesting facts included which would make this book a perfect gift for any young person who loves nature.
Overall, I highly recommend Round and Round Goes Mother Nature by Gabby Dawnay to anyone looking for an educational yet entertaining read for kids. Its engaging and informative content coupled with its stunning illustrations will surely capture your child's imagination while teaching them about the wonders of nature!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Round and Round Goes Mother Nature: 48 Stories of Life Cycles Around the World by Gabby Dawnay is a truly beautiful and wonderfully illustrated book that introduces children to the magic of nature through stories of 48 fascinating life cycles.
Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end - just like everything in our world. This is what makes this book exceptional; it shows children that change is happening all around us, from the turning of seasons to the hatching egg or growing mountain.
The book contains captivating stories of different life cycles, both small and out-of-this-world. It will take you on a journey across the globe, teaching you about how mother nature keeps everything turning round and round.
I was amazed by how colorful and gorgeous the graphics in this book are. The layout is well-arranged, making it easy for children to follow along. Additionally, there are plenty of interesting facts included which would make this book a perfect gift for any young person who loves nature.
Overall, I highly recommend Round and Round Goes Mother Nature by Gabby Dawnay to anyone looking for an educational yet entertaining read for kids. Its engaging and informative content coupled with its stunning illustrations will surely capture your child's imagination while teaching them about the wonders of nature!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
June 27, 2024
Ik werd aangetrokken door het boekomslag dat zo mooi is vorm gegeven en prachtige kleuren heeft. Het boek omvat vier grote delen: dieren, planten en schimmels, de aarde en de ruimte. Elk hoofdstuk bevat een omschrijving van meerdere natuurelementen waarin de cyclus van de geboorte tot de dood vorm krijgt met behulp van prachtige tekeningen bij elk onderdeel van de cyclus. Korte en duidelijke teksten maken het leesbaar en overzichtelijk.
De auteur kiest niet altijd voor de meest voor de hand liggende dieren of planten, zoals de zeeduivel. Maar de keuze past wel bij dit concept. In het hoofdstuk over de aarde komen meerdere natuurelementen aan bod zoals een vulkaan, een berg, water en de vier seizoenen. In het hoofdstuk over de ruimte gaat het onder meer over de maan, de sterren, een komeet en het zwarte gat.
Het boek is heel aantrekkelijk geïllustreerd met mooi onderbouwde teksten die samen een krachtig beeld vormen over de natuur in onze wereld. Het is bijzonder om te zien hoe de auteur de cyclus van elk element aantoont en benadrukt, hoe de aarde zelf vol leven zit.
Ze hoopt dat de jonge geesten zich blijven verwonderen over de magie van het leven hier op aarde. Ik hoop met haar mee.
De auteur kiest niet altijd voor de meest voor de hand liggende dieren of planten, zoals de zeeduivel. Maar de keuze past wel bij dit concept. In het hoofdstuk over de aarde komen meerdere natuurelementen aan bod zoals een vulkaan, een berg, water en de vier seizoenen. In het hoofdstuk over de ruimte gaat het onder meer over de maan, de sterren, een komeet en het zwarte gat.
Het boek is heel aantrekkelijk geïllustreerd met mooi onderbouwde teksten die samen een krachtig beeld vormen over de natuur in onze wereld. Het is bijzonder om te zien hoe de auteur de cyclus van elk element aantoont en benadrukt, hoe de aarde zelf vol leven zit.
Ze hoopt dat de jonge geesten zich blijven verwonderen over de magie van het leven hier op aarde. Ik hoop met haar mee.
May 9, 2023
This is an absolutely stunning book with gorgeous colorful illustrations that really draw you in.
However, I found the constantly shifting layout confusing and some of the font very difficult to read. I also found it rather repetitive. There are all of these amazing animals featured, but each one is shown simply going through the cycle of finding a mate, laying eggs/giving birth, caring for young, dying, young growing, finding a mate. There is very little information beyond that, and indeed very little text at each stage.
I do like the sections at the end, where the same theory is applied to non-living cycles (carbon, water, volcano growth, storms, comets, etc) and the section on plants. I also like that each animal at least begins with a paragraph about what makes them cool/interesting.
I had thought to read this with my animal-loving 9-year-old but I think as a bedtime book it would be a bit repetitive.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto - Wide Eyed Editions for providing an early copy for review.
However, I found the constantly shifting layout confusing and some of the font very difficult to read. I also found it rather repetitive. There are all of these amazing animals featured, but each one is shown simply going through the cycle of finding a mate, laying eggs/giving birth, caring for young, dying, young growing, finding a mate. There is very little information beyond that, and indeed very little text at each stage.
I do like the sections at the end, where the same theory is applied to non-living cycles (carbon, water, volcano growth, storms, comets, etc) and the section on plants. I also like that each animal at least begins with a paragraph about what makes them cool/interesting.
I had thought to read this with my animal-loving 9-year-old but I think as a bedtime book it would be a bit repetitive.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto - Wide Eyed Editions for providing an early copy for review.
May 9, 2023
We absolutely loved this book! Round and Round Goes Mother Nature was a beautiful look at the life cycles. The 48 stories were so well illustrated and explained. I loved that this included humans as well. This will be a book that we come back to again and again. I put it on our to buy list for our next school year. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
p.s. My son's favorite was the immortal jellyfish!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
p.s. My son's favorite was the immortal jellyfish!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2023
Round and Round Goes Mother Nature is a hugely informative book which children will love.
It is really beautifully illustrated bringing the information to life.
The book talks about a huge variety of life cycles from the usual animals to such things as storms! It talks about all the natural processes that makes the world go round. There are 48 life cycles in total which perfectly teaches children about our beautiful world.
My small humans were big fans of this book as we enjoyed going through it together and learning new facts (some I didn’t even know!)
It is really beautifully illustrated bringing the information to life.
The book talks about a huge variety of life cycles from the usual animals to such things as storms! It talks about all the natural processes that makes the world go round. There are 48 life cycles in total which perfectly teaches children about our beautiful world.
My small humans were big fans of this book as we enjoyed going through it together and learning new facts (some I didn’t even know!)
August 31, 2023
Very cool concept for a non-fiction book that covers lots of topics...cycles of both living and non-living things in nature. However, I didn't like how the pages were formatted...although the stages were numbered, they jumped around in the illustration and made it feel disjointed.
February 25, 2024
Nature works in cycles. This book takes you through life cycles of selection (many quite unusual & fascinating) of animals, plants, weather patterns, mountains, even stars and planets. Fun way to learn about these cycles without being overwhelmed with too many informations. A nice read.
March 19, 2023
This is a stunningly illustrated and exquisitely written non-fiction book. It is packed with information about life-cycles. Will definitely buy this when it is published.
March 22, 2023
Lovely cover and nice content for children to start learning about nature on earth and in outer space. Thank you the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for sending me this e-ARC.
Want to read
April 2, 2023Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
on-hold
June 23, 2023I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Read
May 22, 2024THIS BOOK IS SO COOL
May 7, 2023
Round and Round Goes Mother Nature is both gorgeous and informative! Easily one of the most beautiful books I would use in an academic setting. The book does a beautiful job of demonstrating the cycles and seasons of life. The author shared stories about 48 different lifecycles, ranging from animals, reptiles to mountains. It really describes how life is always changing, there is always something to observe. This is a wonderful book for learning about these specific lifecycles while also drawing the reader into a relationship with the natural world, definitely recommend this book!
June 6, 2023
This book is so beautiful and so innovative - it covers the lives of so many things! Animals, weather, even astronomy are all presented. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews