Purple

Readers will be eager to spot colors after finishing these volumes. Parents and teachers are encouraged to introduce terms by using the covers and the picture glossaries, important nonfiction elements that are well designed in this set. The clean layout contains clearly identified photos of plants, animals, and other natural objects. Responses to the recurring question, “Why is it. . .?” are simple. For example, the answer to “Why is it orange?” in regard to a pumpkin is “It is ready to be picked.” Some examples, such as purple sand and cacti, seem a stretch. An attractive page devoted to four shades of the featured color could encourage students to find additional variations. Complexities, such as why a color can sometimes frighten potential predators and at other times provide camouflage, are not considered. However, such nuances are explored in Enslow’s fine “Rainbow of Animals” series.