Book Review: Seeing Symmetry

Seeing Symmetry
Loreen Leedy

Holiday House

This book for kids 4 to 8 years old is about the overlapping of art, science and math through the lens of symmetry. 

I recommend this book because:

1. it helps kids “see” what is going on around them and how interrelated life forms are to each other

2. it explains some of the reasons why organisms evolved in certain ways, i.e. symmetry facilitates motion

3. it demonstrates that math and science can be introduced to young children through art

4. it starts a conversation about looking carefully at what populates our world

5. it helps kids build skill and confidence in identifying a particular phenomenon

 Kristin Reiber Harris, Sea Fantasy #6, graphite on paper, 1972

Radial symmetry has been an interest of mine since the 70’s with my introduction to Islamic art.  Seeing Symmetry, written and illustrated by Loreen Leedy is the first book I have found that introduces the concept of symmetry to young children.

Kristin Reiber Harris, Dogwood Stone Circle, 42" x 53", mixed media on paper

Symmetry is all around us.  If one half of an object exactly mirrors the other half, it is symmetrical.  What a wonderful conversation to have with a young child.  Let’s find examples of symmetry right here, right now.

Many animals’ bodies are symmetrical. Even animals as diverse as scallops and whales have being symmetrical in common.  Numerous animals are illustrated in full color and as a simple silhouette. A line drawn down the middle of the silhouetted shape demonstrates the symmetry.  It gets even more fun when you can discuss with your child that our bodies are symmetrical too.  But why?  Animals and humans use symmetrical body parts to facilitate movement; i.e. crawling, walking, flying and swimming.

Even letter forms can be symmetrical (depending on the typeface), some vertically others horizontally. Even words can be symmetrical; mom, wow and aha.  Other words can be symmetrical either horizontally or vertically like hid or cookie (again depending on the typeface).

For me the most visually exciting kind of symmetry is radial symmetry.  Flowers and snowflakes come to mind immediately.

Beyond looking at the symmetry all around us, Leedy suggests that symmetry is of additional significance because it is an important concept in mathematics.  Mathematics is more than numbers; it is also a study of patterns, order and comparisons.

The scientific discussion of animals and machines symmetrical attributes is followed with many examples of symmetry in fine art, architecture, folk art even furniture.  A few art projects are included at the end of the book along with a glossary.

Seeing Symmetry

Loreen Leedy

Holiday House

©2012

978-0-8234-2360-6