Book Review - Bluebonnet Time

About the Book

One of America’s most iconic flowers – not to mention the state flower of Texas – goes under the magnifying glass in Bluebonnet Time: An Evan Wilder Science Journal (April 2011, BioRhythms Publishing) by beloved children’s author, Lucas Miller.  Inside, budding field scientist Evan Wilder hops in the car with his family for a special wildflower road trip.

Miller, affectionately known as “the Singing Zoologist,” has been educating kids for years with songs about science.  In Bluebonnet Time (recommended grades 1-5), he invites them to look at this flower in a whole new way: Through a magnifying glass. 

For example, did you know that:

• Bees like this flower, because they are naturally attracted to the color blue? 
• Bluebonnets have a secret message for bees, and can tell them when their pollen is “ripe,” and when it is “stale?”
• Bluebonnets are actually related to pea plants? 

This book also comes with an album of 9 original songs written by Miller for family wildflower drives, including the song that inspired this story: “Bluebonnet Time.”

“I'm just a curious guy and I love to learn and share what I've discovered,” says Miller. 

“I'm always looking for teachable moments, and Texans' obsession with taking snapshots in the bluebonnets seems like a great one.  My hope is that through this book and my songs, kids, parents, and educators will take morenotice of the flowers when they're snapping photos  (and maybe becareful not to squish so many).  There's so much to learn and discover when you take a moment to look closely at anything in nature.”

With engaging and colorful illustrations by Amy and Sherry Watson, who also illustrated Miller’s Dr. DNA & the Anaconda Invasion (2007), Bluebonnet Time turns a roadtrip tradition – the family portrait inside a patch of bluebonnets – into an irresistible science lesson.  

Over 1.5 million children have seen LUCAS MILLER present his one-of-a-kind science lessons on plants, animals, bugs and even Mexican food.  He has performed everywhere from the National Zoo in Washington, DC, to Austin City Limits Music Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the country.  His songs are in regular rotation on Sirius/XM’s “XMKids” (Channel 116), and from 2008 – 2010, he has been named an "American Masterpiece Artist" from National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, please visit www.lucasmiller.net or www.bluebonnettime.com.

My Take on the Book 
I had never heard of the story of the Bluebonnet in Texas. Once I read this though I had to go and ask some Texan friends if this was true and in fact it was. I was impressed by the story as well as the beautiful illustrations within the book. Here in Michigan we do not get bluebonnets, but I wish we did as they seem beautiful! Also with this book you get some great music to listen to (and learn from). All of the songs had to do with nature, and my girls loved them all. The songs were ones that completely stay in your head, so be wary, once your kids hear them, they will be singing along (and so may you).

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

 

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