A first look at volcanoes by the author of Rivers: Nature’s Busy Waterways (p. 412). Here the author tries to explain what volcanoes are, where they are found, how they form, and what happens when they explode. He states: “Every day somewhere volcanoes erupt. From far off they look like beautiful fireworks. But up close, a volcano is no fun.” The illustrator avoids that understatement showing a lurid double-page spread of a fiery, red-orange, erupting volcano, followed by a double-page spread of catapulting rocks and smoke. Harrison has a difficult time making the text clear, accurate, and accessible. For example, he states: “If too much gas is trapped inside, part of the mountain may blow off, hurling rocks heavier than elephants for miles.” But not all mountains are volcanoes, and how does the gas get trapped inside? Rocks bigger than elephants hurled for miles? Sometimes, the text doesn’t seem to make sense, for example: “Most magna moves toward the crust where it cools and sinks again. But some magna breaks though weak spots by rising through cracks like chimney flues until at last it bubbles or blasts free onto the surface.” Why does it move toward the crust? Why does it cool when it moves toward the crust? Why does it sink? What are chimney flues? This title will lead to more questions than answers. Curious readers should look elsewhere. (Nonfiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2002
ISBN: 1-56397-996-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2002
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe.
An introduction to gravity.
The book opens with the most iconic demonstration of gravity, an apple falling. Throughout, Herz tackles both huge concepts—how gravity compresses atoms to form stars and how black holes pull all kinds of matter toward them—and more concrete ones: how gravity allows you to jump up and then come back down to the ground. Gravity narrates in spare yet lyrical verse, explaining how it creates planets and compresses atoms and comparing itself to a hug. “My embrace is tight enough that you don’t float like a balloon, but loose enough that you can run and leap and play.” Gravity personifies itself at times: “I am stubborn—the bigger things are, the harder I pull.” Beautiful illustrations depict swirling planets and black holes alongside racially diverse children playing, running, and jumping, all thanks to gravity. Thorough backmatter discusses how Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity and explains Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. While at times Herz’s explanations may be a bit too technical for some readers, burgeoning scientists will be drawn in.
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe. (Informational picture book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 15, 2024
ISBN: 9781668936849
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
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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