I Ate Sunshine For Breakfast

Why the book was selected

This beautifully illustrated book combines fascinating facts about plants with practical plant DIY projects. It was chosen for Year 4 as it will build upon the learning from the Year 3 science programme of study and develop a deepening interest and understanding of how plants shape our world and how humans have harnessed the power of plants in so many ways. The book combines distinctive illustrations with well-written text.  Michael Holland uses scientific language whilst retaining an appealing and accessible tone, making this a wonderful non-fiction book to explore with children. This book is packed full of fascinating information, so we don’t suggest that you read the entire book to teach the sequence. However, we recommend that you make sure that copies are available for children to revisit the pages you have read together and explore pages that interest them, independently.

This book could be revisited in year 5 as it presents opportunities for reinforcing science content for this year group.

Links to National Curriculum in England

Living things and their habitats

Pupils should be taught to:

• recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
• explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment
• recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things

Curriculum connections

• Science
  • plants

About the author

Michael Holland started growing plants at the age of 8. Inspired by The Pip Book by Keith Mossman, he started growing plants in the airing cupboard. His love for plants continued to develop and so too did his desire to teach others about plants. Having studied Ecology at Lancaster University and Oregan State University he then went on to have a long career at Chelsea Physic Garden where he became Head of Education. During his 17 years in this role he taught people of all ages about the natural world. His passion, excitement and fascination for plants is evident in this book that leaves the reader in no doubt about the importance of plants in every part of our lives.

About the illustrator

Philip Giordano’s unique style combines simple colourful shapes to create stunning illustrations with personality. Born in Italy to a Filipana mother and a Swiss father he has developed a love of travel and currently lives in Tokyo. Giordano studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and at the European institute of Design as well as earning a Master in Animation in Turin.  His illustrations have won many awards including: Silver Medal by the Society of Illustrators; the White Raven Award; the International Illustration Prize. Giordano explores the use of many different techniques when creating his illustrations using technology to compose digital collages to more natural approaches including painting on wood. He also designs toys and this playful side is apparent in his illustrations for this book.

Lessons for this book