WHIRL
ISBN-13: 978-1771474283
Illustrated by Josee Bisaillon
Published by Owlkids Books
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One whirligig’s WORDLESS journey reveals the delights of the natural world.
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*2023 IBBY Canada 'Silent Books Collection' Selection*
*2022 CCBC 'Best Books for Kids and Teens' Fall Selection*
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"Perfect for encouraging engagement, and appreciation, for the wonders of the natural world; if there are maple trees nearby all the better to inspire a hands-on connection that will send readers whirling outdoors"
- School Library Journal
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"Softly colored, childlike illustrations set a gentle tone for the seed’s quiet journey ... [A] charming look at seeds and life cycles."
- Booklist
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"A beautiful and quiet reflection on life cycles."
- Canadian Children's Book News
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"An enjoyable story full of joy and wonder that both children and adults will be able to relate to. Highly recommended. 5/5 stars."
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"Back matter about maple seeds and their life cycles that definitely encourages a second viewing/reading of the book ... The book is wordless and this leaves lots of room for Bisaillon to explore different ways of conveying the visual narrative."
- Let's Talk Picture Books
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"WHIRL is a new favourite wordless book at our house...a beautiful ode to nature with charming illustrations by Josee Bisaillon. "
- Bookoholic Mom
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A stray whirligig, or maple key, is picked up by the wind and begins a long, wordless journey through a local neighborhood. It twirls and flips through a family’s backyard. It slips beneath skateboard wheels and sneakers in the park. It falls into the hands of a few curious kids, who include it in their games and artwork. Eventually, the whirligig finds a place to rest. With the help of a nosy bird and a tender puppy paw, it is dropped into a forest and firmly planted in the ground. Years later, a family that encountered the whirligig on its journey takes a walk in the forest and meets the seed again—this time as a fully grown maple tree!
This gentle meditation on the cycle of life wordlessly draws connections between humans and nature. The dynamic and detailed artwork supports visual literacy and will spark discussion about plant life cycles. And the whirligig’s journey on the wind may encourage readers to venture into green spaces and observe them with care and curiosity.
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Now available!
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*Bonus*
Download the free Discussion & Activity Guide for WHIRL
Order your copy at any of these links:
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NOW
AVAILABLE