Review by Booklist Review
The scope and qualities of this unique book are summed up better in its subtitle than in its title. While Dingle does little to explain the periodic table, he shows all the elements of the periodic table on a chart with very original graphics and spotlights 64 of the elements for closer examination on single pages or double-page spreads. Placed against a list including an elements symbol, atomic number, atomic weight, color, standard state, and classification, the element introduces itself in one, two, or three cheeky but informative paragraphs that focus on its qualities and uses. Each presentation ends with the elements date of discovery or earliest known use, its density, its melting point, its boiling point, and a digitally assisted color illustration with a distinctively Japanese, cartoonlike quality. The endpapers feature a glossary and an illustrated foldout poster of the periodic table. The quirky, idiosyncratic artwork and the unusual voice make this little book an appealing choice for introducing elements of the periodic table.--"Phelan, Carolyn" Copyright 2007 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The periodic table may be the bane of newbie science students, but The Periodic Table: Elements with Style! by Adrian Dingle, illus. by Simon Basher, aims to change that. The illustrations, infused with bright, chunky pop graphics, personify each element as an individual character (Nickel notes, "I love hanging out with the other transition metal elements"). A pullout poster will make an educational and cool addition to any kid's bedroom. (Kingfisher, $8.95 128p ages 10-up ISBN 978-0-7534-6085-6; Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Dingle introduces one element per spread. One page features a cartoon drawing of its anthropomorphic character and the other presents a simple introduction to its "personality." However, the premise of the book can be misleading. While the book is about the periodic table, fewer than half of the elements are actually discussed in the text. The information is presented in a chatty and conversational tone. For example, Hydrogen says, "I may be undersized, but don't underestimate me. I'm a petite package that packs a punch, and I have a fiery character to boot-always remember that I'm numero uno!" Basic information, such as the element's symbol, color, standard state, classification, density, and melting and boiling points, is included, but there's no explanation of what atomic number, atomic weight, etc., actually mean. While this book provides a brief introduction to some of the elements, students requiring more comprehensive information would be better served by Ron Miller's The Elements (21st Century Bks., 2005) or "The Elements" series (Benchmark).-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
