"Sensational Science Books"

Selected by Lisa Von Drasek, Bank Street Library Children's Librarian.

In recommending non-fiction books for children, we observe specific criteria: Is the information accurate? Is the writing engaging and age appropriate? Are maps and diagrams clear and accurate? Is an index included? What is the source of the information presented? Are the pages laid out in an easy-to-follow manner? This month our attention turns to science books. Our favorites are a must in any school or home library. Enjoy your explorations!.

About Bubbles
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, photographs by Margaret Miller
Ages 4+

What are bubbles made of? Why are they round? In this addition to the Read And Find Outseries, dramatic, full-color photographs of growing, floating, shiny orbs and simple text explore the mysteries of bubbles. Soap, milk, and even soda bubbles are described and explained. Grown-ups and their preschoolers are sure to want to try the included bubble recipe and instructions for experiments

Young Naturalist Pop-up Handbook: Butterflies
by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart
Ages 6+

Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda have created the most amazing, imaginative pop-up book. Young naturalists will marvel at the shiny colorful butterflies captured within this slight, yet fact-rich, novelty book. Equally exciting is The Young Naturalist's Pop-Up Handbook of Beetles. Although this series will appeal to younger children it is more appropriate for the school-age child because of the delicate nature of the book's paper engineering.

A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder
by Walter Wick
Ages 8+

Photographer Wick, best known as the illustrator of the I Spy picture book series, has created an accessible and beautiful science book. He uses simple techniques to show water properties such as surface tension, adhesion, capillary attraction, molecular motion, freezing, evaporation, and condensation-- all illustrated with his own crystal clear photographs. To show surface tension, Wick photographs soap bubbles of different shapes. He describes the trial and error process that went into photographing snowflakes. He includes straightforward experiments that are sure to engage children in something that seems so uncomplicated-- a drop of water.

The Emperor Lays an Egg
by Brenda Z. Guiberson, illustrated by Joan Paley
Ages 5+

These cut-paper collage illustrations shine in presenting the life of an emperor penguin from egg to survival. Guiberson's straightforward text is filled with interesting details. Young listeners will chime in with rhythmic onomatopoeia phrases such as “gurgle, gurgle” and “whoosh-wish”. This wonderful introduction to penguins can be paired with Judy Sierra’s poetic, humorous and factual Antarctic Antics.

Little Panda : The World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo
by Joanne Ryder
Ages 3+

On August 21, 1999, Hua Mei, a tiny infant panda was born at the San Diego Zoo. A camera was placed inside her mother's birthing den to document her first days. Many around the world were able to follow her progress over the World Wide Web. One of only around 1,000 pandas surviving today, Hua Mei has received enormous attention. The photographs are charming and the text engagingly describes the growing process of little Hua Mei and her relationships with the world around her.

Let's Try It Out in the Water: Hands-On Early-Learning Science Activities
by Seymour Simon, Nicole Fauteux, illustrated by Doug Cushman
Ages 4+

Renowned science writer Seymour Simon launches a new series of experiment books for young children-- Let's Try It Out. This series integrates scientific method into everyday life using only safe, readily-available materials to explore, for example, why things float. Experiments may be conducted using containers, water, bathtubs and waterproof toys. Also available: Let's Try It Out: Air. Contains suggestions for use for parents, teachers and caregivers.

The Chimpanzees I Love: Saving Their World and Ours
by Jane Goodall
Ages 8+

Beyond the book report, beyond the tedious research project, Goodall describes the primates of her life's work: chimpanzees. With passion and zeal, she introduces us to her subjects in clear language, accompanied by stunning, full-color, nature photographs. Most of her forty-one years of observation were at the Gombe National Park in Tanzania. She describes individual chimpanzees and their interactions with their fellows. Part of the profits from the book will go to Roots & Shoots, an educational arm of the Goodall Institute. Includes a chart of primate evolution, a continental range map and a bibliography.

What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You?
by Steve Jenkins
Ages 6+

This is a clever and colorful picture book of cut-paper collages of how fourteen animals and insects defend themselves. Some of these would-be prey spray chemicals, lose parts of themselves, squirt ink, and camouflage themselves as leaves.

Spiders and their Web Sites
by Margery Facklam, Illustrated by Alan Male
Ages 8+

Facklam, a veteran writer of children’s science books, examines twelve different spiders and the daddy long legs. This full-color book is full of arachnid information such as how spiders communicate, reproduce, create their webs, and ingest their victims. Contains a glossary and a brief bibliography. See also Creepy, Crawly Caterpillars and The Big Bug Book.

It's So Amazing! : A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families
by Robie H. Harris, illustrated Michael Emberley
Ages 8+

Harris and Emberley, of It's Perfectly Normal fame, bring the “birds and the bees” to a younger but just as curious a crowd. Emberly's humorous illustrations set just the right tone as a curious bird winds its way through topics such as conception, birth, love and family. Robie Harris thoughtfully explains it all to us. Truly amazing is the double-page spread of a developing fetus that concludes in a “life size” portrait. Harris received her master's degree from the Bank Street College of Education and has since taught in public schools, designed children's parks, and worked as a consultant to the Children's Museum in Boston. Harris is a pro in creating developmentally appropriate books and addressing issues of childhood. Do not miss her other books-- Goodbye Mousie, Happy Birth Day! Hi New Baby!