Oh to be a kid in Mr. Whiskers’s primary science classes. The next best thing is reading and doing hands-on science explorations at school or at home with this guide. Mr. Whiskers is a hip young teacher with red crew cut and goatee who sets simple rules and gives children free range with collaborative inquiry centers. He encourages them to explore, discover, and share big ideas about matter. Seven of those big ideas are boxed in the drawings to reinforce them for the reader. He concludes with a word to parents and teachers about inquiry, provides recipes, and gives addresses for supplies. His approach models NSTA recommended practices and national Science Standards. The eight multiracial kids and their laidback mentor are having a great time, while exploring important concepts. The illustrator’s humorous pen-and-watercolor drawings are appealing and action-filled without overwhelming the text. Hopefully, Ross, a naturalist and author of 40 books for children, has many more Mr. Whiskers adventures planned. Great fun, with appealing science. (Nonfiction. 7-10)
