The Turning of the Year

by Bill Martin Jr.

Describes the characteristics of each month in rhyming text and illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Storytime, Nature, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1970

About the author

Bill Martin, Jr. (1916-2004) was an elementary-school principal, teacher, writer, and poet. His more than 300 books, among them the bestselling classics Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See ; Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear ; Panda Bear Panda Bear What Do You See ; and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom , are a testament to his ability to speak directly to children. Martin held a doctoral degree in early childhood education. Born in Kansas, he worked as an elementary-school principal in Chicago before moving to New York City, where he worked in publishing, developing innovative reading programs for schools. After several years, he devoted himself full-time to writing his children's books. He lived in New York until 1993, when he moved to Texas. He lived in the east Texas woods, near the town of Commerce, until he passed away in 2004.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/billma...

Reviews

[Stephanie Ung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be used to introduce students to rhyming words as well as seasons. The pictures are excellent. This story goes through each season and the transitions between them.

[Michelle Gallegos · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun way to learn a little more about the seasons. This books takes children through the four seasons ands even states the different activities that can be done with every season. The illustrations add to what is stated in the text. With the rhyming in the story, children will enjoy reading it. This book can also help children start reading on their own.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Martin Quest #32
A brief look at a year with two pages and a short paragraph on things that you would do in that particular month, mainly based on climate and what grows naturally.
Nicely illustrated with a Rockwellian vibe.
An OK introduction to the passing of time and seasons.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book brings the reader through events that happen throughout the year, month by month. Nice illustrations; soft, if not a little blurry looking.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good end of year story to share with kids. A few words might be a little advanced and need explaining, but the descriptions of the months were poetic.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected. It was an okay book. Each two pages talks about each month, January to December. Illustration on the left and text on the right. Illustrations are alright.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A toddler and up book about each month of the year with a simple activity.

[Helena Akuany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book that highlights the changing seasons and the passage of time.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is cute. There is a page for each month of the year with great illustrations. The rhyming seemed forced. When the bottom of a hill is called a toe to rhyme with snow it just doesn't work for me.

[Jen]

Beautifully illustrated book about the twelve months. Good for K-1 students learning about the months of the year. (Choice)

[Rebecca Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute rhyming book. The pictures are excellent. This story shows goes through every season and the transitions between them all.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an idealized look at a rural life that no longer exists. The story will appeal to adults who enjoy feeling nostalgic, but I'm not sure how well today's kids will relate to it.

[Courtney]

Read for Celebration Storytime - 12/28/16 - Rhyming text goes through what happens each month of the year