Whirl

One whirligig's journey reveals the delights of the natural world

A stray maple seed, sometimes called a maple key or whirligig, is picked up by the wind and begins a long, wordless journey through a local neighborhood. It twirls and flips through a family's backyard. It slips beneath skateboard wheels and sneakers in the park. It falls into the hands of a few curious kids, who include it in their games and artwork. Eventually, it finds a place to rest. With the help of a nosy bird and a tender puppy paw, it is dropped into a forest and firmly planted in the ground. Years later, a family that encountered the maple seed on its journey takes a walk in the forest and meets the seed again--this time as a fully grown maple tree!

This gentle meditation on the cycle of life wordlessly draws connections between humans and nature. The dynamic and detailed artwork supports visual literacy and will spark discussion about plant life cycles. And the whirligig's journey on the wind may encourage readers to venture into green spaces and observe them with care and curiosity.

DEBORAH KERBEL is an award-winning author who writes picture books, middle grade, and YA novels. Her recent books include Fred & Marjorie, This House Is Home, and When Molly Drew Dogs. Deborah lives and writes in Thornhill, Ontario, with her husband, two teens, and a rescue schnoodle named Freddie.

JOSÉE BISAILLON has illustrated more than forty picture books, three of which were nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award. She creates her illustrations with a mix of collage, drawing and digital montage. Josée lives near Montreal, Quebec, with her husband, their three children and one hairless cat.