In the manner of a film strip with sound track, a sequence of images of field and forest appears, loosely connected by the...

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PATTERNS OF NATURE

In the manner of a film strip with sound track, a sequence of images of field and forest appears, loosely connected by the cycle of seasons, the cycle of life from copulation to survival of the fittest. Each image carries a message, at once poetic and ecological, which together suggest the underlying necessities of nature, especially the ladder of dependence from sunshine (for plants.) to prey (for the strongest birds and animals): ""A flesh that was once grass may transform once again to that of yet another."" That's a sample of the style, a kind of exalted intonation that almost requires musical accompaniment and certainly requires explanation. In the concluding note, the author recognizes the difficulties and suggests help from parent or teacher. We tend to think that a more direct, down-in-the-dirt approach would be better--or one tadpole is worth a thousand tracts.

Pub Date: Aug. 18, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1967

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