Flow, Spin, Grow: Looking for Patterns in Nature

by Patchen Barss, Todd Stewart (Illustrator)

Branching, spiraling, spinning--you can find patterns almost anywhere in nature, if you look for them. This book is a starting point that introduces kids to some major patterns in the natural world. Just as the branches of a tree spread upwards into the sky, roots branch deep into the ground. Branches also spread through our bodies, inside our lungs and veins. Storms and snail shells spiral; electrons and galaxies spin.

With brief text and full-spread illustrations, this book is designed to inspire kids to observe, discover, and explore hidden structures and shapes in the natural world around them. Why are things the way they are? This question, key to scientific inquiry, runs throughout the text.

Artwork in multilayered screen prints shows how the natural world is inherently beautiful, from the curve of your ear to the spiraling arms of our galaxy. Kids will come away with a deeper understanding that we are all connected to nature and part of its patterns.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Mathematics, Science, Nonfiction, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2018

About the author

Patchen Barss is a Toronto-based science journalist who has contributed to the BBC, Nautilus magazine, Scientific American , and the Discovery Channel (Canada), as well as to many science and natural history museums. His previous books include The Erotic Engine: How Pornography Has Powered Mass Communication, from Gutenberg to Google, and Flow Spin Grow: Looking for Patterns in Nature.

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather metaphysical, scientific, zen-like picture book for children that talks about the patterns in nature, from the swirls in your ears to those in galaxies. The illustrations are interesting, with lots of little hand drawn shapes in things like tree leaves. Kids get an introduction to various elements of biology, astronomy, etc.

Example text:

"These patterns are just the start.
Keep looking. Leopard spots and ladybug
dots. Ocean waves and mountain peaks.
Lightning bolts and cracks in the sidewalk.
FIND MORE (this is in a larger text and different color in my wonky digital ARC)
Patterns are everywhere you look... even in the mirror."

Children who particularly like patterns may be especially interested in it. It would make a good library book for others, but perhaps not one you'd need to buy for the home library.

I read a digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Elley Murray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more patterns, and I guess I don't consider branches and spirals and shells to be patterns? but they're not really shapes either, so maybe patterns IS the best word for them? This book is just OK. The illustrations are fine but nothing very special. There isn't really a story to it, and it didn't feel well connected enough to be cohesive non-fiction either. It's just a bunch of words about branches and flowing and spirals and growing. Once it a while it tries on a sing-song rhyming scheme, and then breaks it, and then sort of does it again, and it's just a little off-putting.

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice introduction to some of the general patterns found in nature -- branching (rivers, veins, etc.), spirals, etc., tying them in with actions. It seems to be meant more as inspiration than regular science-based nonfiction, and I liked that the narrative voice encouraged questions and observation, even if the voice was a bit inconsistent.

I thought it was neat overall, just maybe tried to bite off more than it could chew. I'm not sure the spinning of atoms and galaxies was adequately linked in with the other more visible examples.

(Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.)

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the idea behind this picture book. Barss's playful artwork and whimsical prose encourages kids to seek patterns everywhere. Unfortunately, Barrs's execution often leaves much to be desired. The vocabulary used, for example, is often above and beyond that of the target audience, requiring that kids read this book in concert with a knowledgeable adult. With said adult reading alongside, this book has the power to change how kids ultimately think about math and science, and of how kids view the world in general.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I love the concept of it, and the art is sweet and simple. But I had a hard time putting my finger on what age group the book was for. The ideas seemed appropriate for my 4 year old, but not always explained well enough for her inquisitive mind -- *why* does a branching pattern usually mean flow is happening? The language, at least in the beginning, was appropriate for my 2yo but the concepts mostly out of her grasp, and as the book went on the language became more explanatory and sophisticated. The 'grow' section is better explained and uses more direct language appropriate for my 4yo, but felt like a marked shift from the simpler 'flow' section that the book started with. The 'spin' section and the 'grow' section bleed into each other and don't read as distinct ideas. The summary at the end gave me an idea of what the author was going for, but I'm not sure they achieved their original intent.

I think this book has a really great basis and intent but just felt like a draft that could have used more consistency and a more clearly defined target audience.

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many beautiful interpretations of the world around us. These illustrations will have you wondering what patterns are in your surroundings. A peaceful story to read and practice reflection.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book is what drew me to it but the execution was not there.

[Beth Tabler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an electronic copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

First off, I love that the author is attempting to simplify a large and slightly esoteric concept like patterning for children. It isn't a science-based book, but more of a general introduction to some pattern types found in nature and how they relate to kids. Trees have particles that spin and kids spin, see. I like that, it is a nice way to make a connection with a young child. My only complaint about the subject matter is it isn't in the science category or in the children's general category. I think the story could really benefit from the specific introduction of certain patterns like the golden ratio instead of staying vague. It's beautiful and kids could see how it is everywhere if they know what to look for.

All in all, it is a lovely book, both written and illustrated with a high degree and sensitivity to the need and understanding of children. I recommend it for kids around the age of 5.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not quite sure what I was looking for when I chosee this particular book. The title promised a lot more than was delivered and the message was promising.

Instead what the book delivers to the reader is maybe a very basic introduction to patterns in nature. Although we don't normally construe most of the items presented as such there was a very nice presenetation of similar items that could be found and how they may relate.

There were times when the book tried to do so much more but it felt like the author had no idea how to truly present their ideas to their readers. And once they accepted the subject matter as being too much it led to a brisk end and a suggestion as to what other books could be a better suggested read.

The artwork wasn't much to talk about either. At times it was interesting, especially when the textures shone through. And then there were just times that it was easily overlooked.

In the end this isn't a book I would run out and grab for my child. Instead I would like to look at the other two suggested books first just to see what they contain.

***I received access to a copy of this book in exchange for a free review.***

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book points out that often similar patterns in nature point to similar functions. Various examples of branching patterns are explored and how this often points to things that flow. Various examples of spiral patterns are explored and how these often point to things that are spinning or growing. The book challenges readers to look for other patterns and how similar patterns might show a relationship in function.

This was a little more complex than I thought it would be. It doesn’t just point out patterns kids can find in the world, it explores the whys behind those patterns. That might be a little much for some young brains to grasp but kids often surprise you with what they catch on to. If you want a book for a curious little reader or a patterns/matching book a little bit different from any of the others out there, you might want to give this one a try.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flow, Spin, Grow by Patchen Barss is a cute book with a first look at patterns in Nature. I had thought that the descriptions would be more in depth than they were. For preschoolers this would be a great instruction to patterns and movement in nature. There is an emphasis on looking and exploring. As a read aloud, this could become interactive for young children.

The illustrations are subtle, drawing the eye to the line more than to the color. The change in font is eye catching too. The tree and human body were easily understood examples, but the galaxy spinning was completely lost on the four-year-old that read the book with me. Perhaps space could have been saved for an older audience. Overall, I liked the title and the concept.

3.75 Stars
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Gabrielle Palmisano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book to read to younger children to introduce them to patterns in nature. It shows how patterns are almost anywhere you look even in the mirror. This book has a lot of information put simply for children. I love how the book even uses your body as an example when comparing it to patterns. This book even touches on protons, neutrons and electrons explaining how everything is made up of these three moving components. The illustrations in this book are detailed and more on a neutral color scheme but not too dull. Today, children are overwhelmed with technology and tend to forget about the beautiful world that we live on; this book encourages children to go outside and find patterns. This book is something I would definitely use in my classroom and have the students go outside with a checklist to find the patterns as an activity.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cool book that encourages kids to see the connections between themselves and nature, and to notice the patterns all around us. Have now given it to a few friends with small, curious kids, and it is a hit. The beautiful illustrations give you something new to find each time you read it, and it is fun to make the connections between the story/text and what you are seeing in the illustrations (swirl, whirl, etc.). I think it will make science and nature-minded kids look for patterns when they are outside, and perhaps see other parts of their world in a new way.

[Brooklyn || The Wild Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read & evaluated this book for the Vancouver Children's Round Table (VCLR)'s 2019 Information Book Award.

Here are the things I did not enjoy about this book:
-It took me a long time to finally figure out what this book was actually about.
-There was no consistency
-Sometimes there was a rhyming song, sometimes not
-There was no explination as to what the book is about (patterns?)
-The "Explore" page sort of answers the above question, but would have been much more beneficial at the beginning of the book.

Some things I did like:
-It was nicely illustrated
-It has a good title

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about broad patterns in forms in nature. It's not really a "What repeats?" kind of pattern book. The three patterns that it looks at are branching in things that flow, spinning when you have moving objects near each other, and spiraling when things are growing/shrinking. (One of the pages near the end but still in the main text basically summarizes this.)

The amount of text goes up pretty dramatically from the first few pages to later ones, and early rhyming/rhythm goes away.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a very simple book, this text details different flow patterns, spin patterns, and grow patterns in nature. It is interesting to see just how many things follow these three types of patterns. For example, branches, roots, streams, and our own lungs all have a branching or flow pattern. It's a great way to look at nature from another perspective and definitely a great choice to read before a nature walk or scavenger hunt so that students have something else to be looking for in nature.

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Branches aren't patterns. I don't think the book entirely works. It was mildly interesting, but no patterns. Illustrations were nice. But book can't really be used for science at all. Sorry.

I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

A interesting presentation about looking at nature.
The author provides an interesting and intriguing author's note.
About spirals,
"Spirals appear where things grow or shrink.
Plants and shells spiral out.
Storms and galaxies spiral in."

And a bold message "EXPLORE"

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating patterns in all of nature and how it all connects together.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring choice for budding scientists, mathematicians, and artists ages 4-7.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An introduction to patterns in nature. It was an okay read.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the concept, but the execution could have been more engaging for young readers.

[SL · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a bit of an identity crisis tbh. It wanted to be poetic and also non fic at the same time. It was a cool concept but it felt a little too abstract.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very different than I expected and I really liked it. We will revisit it again in a year or so, because it is a lot deeper than Maddie was ready for.

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is talking about more than patterns in the mathematical sense. It talks about a way of thinking. I find it a bit abstract. But Todd Stewart’s illustration is absolutely beautiful.

[irini · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book even though it gave me traumatic flashbacks to when i took ASTR 111 for a natural sciences credit and was really really bad at it

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

felt like this was more of an abstract sounding picture book vs a truly educational book about nature/science

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

#OwlkidsBooks #NetGalley

A creative way to introduce young children to the scientific aspects of the everyday pattern around us. A good companion book for parents and professors looking for scientific and creative content for kids.

[Amber Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flow, Spin and Grow had many learning and teaching opportunities present. It is a beautiful book that would easily find a place on classroom bookshelves. I loved the connection between the natural world and patterns as well as other science phenomena. Excellent book for outdoor education.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flow, Spin, Grow
By Patchen Barss
I liked the idea of patterns in nature. It is so beautiful to see the patterns created in our own body and all around us. I liked the pictures in this book but I didn't like the actual flow of this book and how the pictures related. I think it would have been better to keep the similar patterns together, side by side to compare, rather than spread out over pages. I didn't like how the story flowed. I didn't care for the titles throughout the book. I think it would have been fun to have the text throughout the pictures creating similar patterns. Overall it was not my favorite. My 3-year-old son and I read it together, making the patterns on our couch with our fingers. It was an engaging topic but I didn't care for this book.