The illustrations in this sweeping tour of the world’s oceans provide more atmosphere than information, and so does the text. Confusingly using the old term “Seven Seas” without explanation to encompass all of Earth’s “oceans, seas, and gulfs,” Vieira takes readers to each ocean, plus the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas, tucking in quick references to the likes of Columbus, Cousteau, and Robert Ballard; the Panama and Suez Canals; oceanic flora, fauna, industry, and pollution, then closing with warnings that, for our “betterment,” we should exploit marine resources more efficiently. Along with this moot idea, Vieira conveys the impression that only European explorers crossed the Indian Ocean, and her blithe claim that “by 1800, all surface areas of the world ocean had been explored” ignores the search for the Northwest Passage, which went on for another half century. The illustrations are a busy mix of insets floating over rolling vistas of waves or deep blue undersea scenes. Perhaps it’s just too vast an array of topics to cover in 32 pages. Titles with a narrower focus, such as G. Brian Karas’s Atlantic (2002) convey a clearer sense of the oceans’ size, diverse biota, and importance. (glossary, maps) (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: April 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-8027-8833-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Walker
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2003
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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