General Science

Bredeson, Carmen. Looking at maps and globes / by Carmen Bredeson. New York : Children's Press, c2001. 0516223518 [Rookie read-about geography] Ages 4-8. Grade: A

Carmen Bredeson has written a very good introduction to maps and globes. Covers such topics as legends, directions, and scale. The writing and the book design are clear and clean. The illustrations and photographs are of good quality, but I wished there had been more photos taken specifically for this book as oppose to stock photos. There is an index. KWR 08-04

Jenkins, Steve. Actual size / by Steve Jenkins. Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 2004. 0618375945. Ages 4-8 Grade: A

Steve Jenkins' Actual Size can be enjoyed as a work of art. The animals or, if a large animal, part of an animal is illustrated using handmade paper collage. What may sound like just a clever concept, when skillfully executed, resulted in an awesome book. Some of the animals shown are the pigmy shrew, atlas moth, dwarf goby, Goliath frog, and giant squid. The dimensions of the animal is noted and as well as a paragraph about such things as habitat and diet which makes this a very interesting book. Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review

Pentland, Peter. Kitchen science / Peter Pentland and Pennie Stoyles. Philadelphia : Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. 079107014X [Science and Scientists series] Grade: A

This book covers just about all the scientific aspects of food. Because food is something that kids already understand, it may make the connection to science and its importance easier. Some topics covered are heating food, chemical names for common foods, nutrition, chemical reactions (baking), taste and smell, and microorganisms. Explains how such equipment as microwave ovens and refrigerators work. I found the explanation of how soap disolves grease from dishes very interesting. Also, teaches about levers, gears, and wedges. Ends with a discussion of kitchen safety and how to put out oil and electrical fires. Some terms are explained in boxes outside the main text. There is also a timeline, glossary, and index. KWR (05-04)