MotherReader

I’d seen the book Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree mentioned elsewhere, so when I saw a copy at my library I had to see what the fuss was about. Let me say that there is some well-earned fuss. Taking the reader through the seasons, zero is represented in many ways, including the number of sleds on a slushy hillside or the kites in a windless sky. The beautiful and slight wording on each two-page spread makes the book close kin to poetry.

Zero is...
the leaves on the bare,
brown arms of the oak tree.

I can’t think of another book that gently and beautifully tackles math, seasons, and poetry. Heck, through the lovely illustrations, the book even includes a story of sorts about a diverse groups of four friends going through the school year together. Honestly, it’s such a perfect book that it should not be missed. (Nonfiction Monday is hosted today at Tales from the Rushmore Kid.)

The Winter Blog Blast Tour begins today with some awesome authors appearing at:

• Jim Ottaviani at Chasing Ray
  
• Courtney Sheinmel at Bildungsroman
  
• Derek Landy at Finding Wonderland
  
• Mary E. Pearson at Miss Erin
  
• Megan Whalen Turner at HipWriterMama
  
• Frances Hardinge at Fuse #8
  

Check Chasing Ray for the full week’s schedule.