Review by Booklist Review
Hammond opens with the claim that these 30-plus experiments and demonstrations are 100% GUARANTEED TO BLOW YOU AWAY, but he doesn't really mean it, as none are likely to cause fatalities. Several, however, such as the egg parachute, corn-starch slime, and the gelatin-spewing volcano will leave wonderfully gooey messes, and occasional warnings to seek parental help or permission are well placed. Aside from the odd air pump, electric buzzer, or magnet, the required supplies are all fairly common household items. What sets this apart from the plethora of science-project books (aside from the author's hyperbolic style) are both the often awesome color photos (erupting soda bottles, an extreme closeup of a silkworm's head) and the frequent, informative explanations interspersed among the clear directions and diagrams of the chemistry or physics behind each feat, stunt, and trick. Do try these at home.--Peters, John Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
With more than 30 scientific experiments, ranging from more traditional science-fair projects-like making a rocket out of a sports drink bottle-to a recipe for an apple pie sans apples (sugar reacts with cream of tartar to produce a chemical that tastes like apples), this fun book has plenty of ideas to sample. Also offered are magnified images, including a sticky note (blown up, it looks like an "alien landscape") and a silk worm that resembles a (scary) Jim Henson creation. In between experiments, Hammond explores the science behind the subjects: a section about sound emphasizes that "sound is a form of ENERGY... it travels in waves." The active approach to science and scrapbook-style design, with plenty of photos, notes and asides, should win over curious kids. Ages 7-10. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
