patterns

My four children's books are being published in a neat alternating spring/autumn pattern. I've noticed this because I've been noticing lots of different patterns since writing the new title, Spotty, Stripy, Swirly: What are Patterns? which was published yesterday.

It took me a long time to be actively conscious of my interest in patterns; it was Linda Miller who pointed out the obvious when she saw me making machine embroideries of rows of fruit and veg at one of her workshops. But once she'd done that, I started to see patterns everywhere, and not just in tangible objects. I began to recognise patterns in behaviour, speech, and natural cycles, and suddenly many things made sense, and if this book helps any child to develop their powers of observation and prediction, I shall be very pleased.

My editor, Carol, and the designer, Danielle, have done another fantastic job with the book, and I have to say I'm really proud of it. It looks amazing inside.

There's a review here and this review appeared in School Library Journal:

As she did in Ruby, Violet and Lime: Looking for Color and Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What Is Texture? (both Millbrook, 2011), Brocket has taken a concept and given it the full treatment. Using crisp, bright photographs reminiscent of the work of Tana Hoban and clearly written text in playful fonts, she examines patterns from almost every conceivable angle. There are patterns determined sometimes by shape, sometimes by color, sometimes by object. They run the gamut from simple to quite complex. There are man-made patterns such as brickwork or quilts, and patterns that occur in nature, such as geranium leaves. The author explains their various purposes and encourages children to "look up and down and all around" to try and find them. This book is a visual treat that could be used by teachers looking for ways to introduce the topic, and it will attract browsers as well. A first purchase.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

And this review is in the February 15 issue of  Booklist:

The third book in the Jane Brocket’s Clever Concepts series presents patterns. While the large-print text explains what patterns are, how they vary, and why they are useful to people, the large, colorful illustrations steal the show. Heightening viewers’ awareness of the patterns around them, the photos focus attention on subjects that vary from the print on new sneakers to the geometric arrangement of old ceramic tiles, from the creative plantings of dark and light lettuces to the glass-and-steel triangles that make up a distinctive skyscraper. Like Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What Is Texture? (2011) and Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color (2012), this volume offers plenty of textures and colors to enjoy as well. Parents and teachers looking for a concept book on patterns will find this a rich collection of photos that can spark any number of discussions around the subject.  — Carolyn Phelan

(The tops of the books make an interesting pattern, too.)