This introduction to the sun and stars is a mixture of simple text and complex ideas that are rather confusingly presented to an audience that may lack the background knowledge to truly grasp them. From solar prominences, auroras, eclipses, and the sun’s energy, to supernovas, nebulae, light years, and the color of stars and their life span, this is a starting point for young researchers. But in a work that introduces readers to the concept of the sun as a star, one would not expect to find nuclear fusion, pulsars, and apparent and absolute magnitude also discussed. Also, the simple style assumes that readers have some basic knowledge of science and space. For instance, on the first topic page, there is a sequence of illustrations that shows increasing close-ups of the Orion star group. Unfortunately, it is so poorly labeled that few children will realize this unless they are already familiar with the constellation. The format of the text is good for young readers, with its large font and prominent pictures and its use of the two-page spread to present each separate topic. The author sprinkles many different fact or question boxes throughout the text, breaking down the information to keep interest high. The text combines photographs of space with cartoon illustrations in an attempt to make the information clear to readers. However, the order of the topics is not helpful, and the overall result is confusing. For the money, there are much better volumes available. (Nonfiction. 9-11)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-7613-2412-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Copper Beech/Millbrook
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2001
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Miranda’s book counts the monsters gathering at a birthday party, while a simple rhyming text keeps the tally and surveys the action: “Seven starved monsters are licking the dishes./Eight blow out candles and make birthday wishes.” The counting proceeds to ten, then by tens to fifty, then gradually returns to one, which makes the monster’s mother, a purple pin-headed octopus, very happy. The book is surprisingly effective due to Powell’s artwork; the color has texture and density, as if it were poured onto the page, but the real attention-getter is the singularity of every monster attendee. They are highly individual and, therefore, eminently countable. As the numbers start crawling upward, it is both fun and a challenge to try to recognize monsters who have appeared in previous pages, or to attempt to stay focused when counting the swirling or bunched creatures. The story has glints of humor, and in combination with the illustrations is a grand addition to the counting shelf. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-201835-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999
The Pumpkin Book (32 pp.; $16.95; Sept. 15; 0-8234-1465-5): From seed to vine and blossom to table, Gibbons traces the growth cycle of everyone’s favorite autumn symbol—the pumpkin. Meticulous drawings detail the transformation of tiny seeds to the colorful gourds that appear at roadside stands and stores in the fall. Directions for planting a pumpkin patch, carving a jack-o’-lantern, and drying the seeds give young gardeners the instructions they need to grow and enjoy their own golden globes. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1465-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
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