REVIEW: HAPPY FIBONACCI DAY!

If you’re not familiar with it, the Fibonacci sequence is a math pattern that begins with 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is calculated by adding the previous two numbers. So, it would look like this: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and so on. I am a writer, but I’m also a numbers gal, so this book that incorporates both blew my mind:

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​TITLE: LEO + LEA

AUTHOR: Monica Wesolowska

ILLUSTRATOR: Kenard Pak

PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press/2022

​OPENING LINES:
 
Leo.
Counting.
Two Trees
Three noisy squirrels.
Five big steps into school.

Wow! This book has my mind blown (especially as a words, numbers, and visual gal)! Above all, LEO + LEA is a friendship story: First, the reader is introduced to Leo, who likes to count. Then Leo is introduced to Lea, who likes to draw. When the playground gets too overwhelming for Leo, he leaves to find some peace. He finds Lea (remember she likes to draw), and is delighted to find a pattern (remember he likes to count) in her art. Their commonality blossoms into friendship. This is a lovely story in itself, but the way the story is told and illustrated makes it truly magical. The “+” in the title hints at what’s to come, as well as the second spread which simply says, “counting,” but if you look closely, you’ll notice when Leo counts trees, squirrels, steps, classmates, and so on, his counting follows a pattern. Further, the text itself is written in the same Fibonacci sequence: One word on the first spread, followed by one word, then two words, then three, then five, and so on. And on top of that, the illustrator incorporates the Fibonacci sequence in the illustrations! Both author and illustrator share notes in the back matter that give further explanation about the inspiration for the story and art, explanation of the Fibonacci sequence, and illustration techniques used. Like I said, wow! This multi-layered, beautifully illustrated, heartwarming friendship story is truly a work of art!
 
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