by Ben Bova ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1975
Like Notes to a Science Fiction loiter (925, J-307) this is a spinoff from Bova's duties as editor of Analog magazine, and here even the endpapers are reproductions of Analog covers. Boys traces the evolution of organized human curiosity (i.e. science) all the way up from the prosimians and concludes by defending that beleaguered "minority group" the scientist. And he climbs up on his soapbox to make some hifalutin claims for sci fi as the literature of the future. . . isn't it finally being taught in the schools instead of Silas Marner and The Mill on the Floss (of the latter, "no one has read such books outside of an English class assignment since approximately 1919"). Along the way, he fills us in on the growth of American sci fi from Hugo Gernsback to John Campbell, explains the rules of The Game which separates hard core science fiction from mere fantasy, and tells some good stories of how prescient writers beat the scientists to big discoveries. Of course sci fi has been unfairly scorned and it does inspire that "sense of wonder" he talks about. But is it necessary to claim that the sci fi mags attract readers from "among the topmost ranks of intelligence" and turns them into "worshipers of science and knowledge"? The gentleman protests too much. . . and too often.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1975
ISBN: 0201092069
Page Count: 140
Publisher: Addison-Wesley
Review Posted Online: March 20, 2012
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by Barney Saltzberg ; illustrated by Barney Saltzberg ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 23, 2010
A festive invitation to creative liberation.
A pleasingly tactile exploration of the possibilities inherent in mistakes.
"A torn piece of paper... / is just the beginning!" Spills, folded paper, drips of paint, smudges and smears—they "all can make magic appear." An increasingly complex series of scenarios celebrates random accidents, encouraging artistic experimentation rather than discouragement. The folded-over paper can be a penguin's head; a torn piece of newsprint can turn into a smiling dog with a little application of paint; a hot-chocolate stain can become a bog for a frog. Thanks to a telescoping pop-up, a hole is filled with nearly limitless possibilities. The interactive elements work beautifully with the photo-collaged "mistakes," never overwhelming the intent with showiness. Saltzberg's trademark cartoon animals provide a sweetly childlike counterpoint to the artful scribbles and smears of gloppy paint.
A festive invitation to creative liberation. (Pop-up. 4-12)Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7611-5728-1
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: Dec. 10, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2010
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by Greg Tang & illustrated by Harry Briggs ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2001
This genuinely clever math book uses rhyming couplets and riddles, as well as visual cues to help the reader find new ways to group numbers for quick counting. It’s a return to number sets, with none of those boring parentheses and <>signs. Here the rhyme gives a clue to the new ways of grouping numbers. For example: “Mama mia, pizza pie, / How many mushrooms do you spy? / Please don’t count them, it’s too slow, / This hot pie was made to go! / Let me give you some advice, / Just do half and count it twice.” A quick look at the pizza, and the reader can see each slice has the same number of mushrooms. Count by threes for half the pie, and double it. Each rhyme is given a double-page spread. The extra-large, brightly colored images leap off the page but never distract from the author’s intent. Some riddles are very challenging, but the author provides all the solutions in the back. Once the reader has seen the answers, the strategy is obvious and can be applied to other situations. Great fun for math enthusiasts and creative thinkers, this might also teach adults some new tricks. A winning addition. (Nonfiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-439-21033-X
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2000
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