SUNFLOWER

This attractive preschool/primary grade science book follows the growth of a sunflower from seed to harvest. A girl plants a sunflower and watches it get taller and taller, until it has grown over her head and is ready to provide treats for the birds and herself, and more seeds to save for next year. The very large type seems intended for beginning readers or for groups; simple text provides no suspense, but simply describes the waiting and watering and watching. It is made up of brief sentences that are often grammatically in error, but always easy to comprehend, e.g., ``Every day I watch and wait. Then, little green leaves.'' Noll's cheerful goauche illustrations use soft colors for the waiting time, contrasting with the bright yellow of the sunflower when it finally blossoms. Children will be sure to notice and enjoy the girl's handsome black cat, which appears in each of the pictures, sleeping or playing or watching the birds. Collections with preschooler or beginning readers should find this a pleasant and useful addition. (Picture Book. 3-5)