December 15, 2023
A primer on pushes and pulls. As they did in Matter (2023), Schaefer and Santiago continue to explore basic scientific concepts. Their latest is an interactive introduction to force, "a push or pull that can change the motion or shape of an object." The author explores gravity (simplistically defined as "a force that pulls objects toward Earth"), friction, inertia, and acceleration. But first, she invites readers into the physics lab, where sharp eyes will find the supplies they'll use in their investigations: whipped cream, sandpaper, a track and marbles, beanbags, a jar of dirt, and even a notebook (a nice touch). As in previous series titles, readers are asked to physically engage with the book. Kids are told to blow on an image of sand, then to touch a button on a lab-vac to clean it up, which leads to an explanation of how a vacuum works. Outside the lab, on a playground, a diverse group of children and adults demonstrate forces at work. (In an online guide for the series, the publisher builds on this idea with a playground-based lesson.) A final, sure-to-please activity asks children to construct a teeter-totter out of a Popsicle stick and a drinking straw, which provides another example of pulls and pushes and gives readers the opportunity to propel a small object into the air. (Be prepared for enthusiastic demonstrations.) The combination of clear, concrete examples, reader interaction, and humor works well. A child-friendly introduction to a scientific concept. (Informational picture book. 5-9)
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December 15, 2023
K-Gr 3-An introduction to the concept of motion through an interactive format that will delight young readers and learners. Following Matter and Geology in the "Hands-On Science" series, this title allows readers to play with the forces of motion without getting messy in a style popularized by Herv� Tullet. The book refers to readers in the second person and informs them that they hold a physics lab in their hands. Physically manipulating the book in different ways (tilting, pressing, etc.) causes elements to shift and change with page turns, introducing the concepts of force, gravity, and friction. The layout of the pages is impeccably uncomplicated and clean, allowing the experiments to take center stage. The lack of unnecessary visual excess and first-person perspective of the illustrations elevates the impression of being able to enact change within the pages. The font is friendly while simple instructional language in short sentences invites early readers to the page. A simple activity on the last page encourages children to notice forces in the real world and provides instruction for a simple craft activity. VERDICT A delightfully interactive introduction to a basic element of physics for the youngest independent readers. Recommended for purchase.-Clara Hendricks
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