Tangled Webs: Sara Full of Wonder
Cynthia Bordelon
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 979-8218341275
Reviewed by Shawna Thompson for Reader Views (09/2024)
Sara and her three sisters eagerly anticipated the extravagant Fourth of July celebration at the Lopez’s residence. Sara had observed Mr. Lopez carrying a mysterious box and was intrigued about its contents. Being new to the neighborhood, Sara’s family was eager to connect with the other children. On the day of the festive gathering, everyone was enjoying themselves. Although Sara enjoyed the company, she preferred to spend time in her backyard garden and wandered off. Unbeknownst to her, her backyard was inhabited by living, talking entities. The Mother Oak tree, concealed in the garden, could grant Sara the power to communicate with anything in the forest.
As she embarked on her exploration, she eagerly absorbed knowledge about blue jays, including their dietary habits and role within the ecosystem. She pondered the concept of camouflage in her backyard and sought to distinguish between nocturnal and diurnal animals. Her curiosity also led her to investigate the various ways in which animals protect themselves. Additionally, she gained valuable insights from a majestic oak tree, learning about the wonders of photosynthesis and the essential requirements for plant growth. Sara couldn’t wait to return to the party and tell her sisters and friends about her experience. Would they believe her? She sure hoped so.
“Tangled Webs: Sara Full of Wonder” by Cynthia Bordelon is an engaging and educational book for children between six and nine. It delves into the lives of various animals, including Olly the Barred Owl, Jezzy the Grey Squirrel, and Benny the Katydid, sparking a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature. What sets this book apart is the thoughtful inclusion of a comprehensive glossary at the end, allowing children to expand their vocabulary while learning about the animal kingdom.
Author Cynthia Bordelon has gone the extra mile by incorporating forest-themed coloring pages, adding an interactive and creative element to the reading experience. Moreover, Bordelon has thoughtfully provided website resources for further exploration of nature and animals, encouraging independent learning beyond the book’s pages. The enchanting and whimsical illustrations by Mariya Prytula captivate young readers and provide a visual window into the animals’ habitats, making the learning experience both immersive and enjoyable.
Beyond its educational value, “Tangled Webs” is a versatile tool for educators, offering opportunities to integrate science, botany, and zoology into classroom lessons. Furthermore, the book can serve as a valuable resource for children navigating the challenges of transitioning to a new school, offering insights into friendship, resilience, and the natural world. With its multifaceted appeal, “Tangled Webs: Sara Full of Wonder” is essential to library collections and homeschool curricula. It is a must-have for fostering a love of learning and exploration in young readers.