Review by Booklist Review
Though science sometimes takes a flier particularly from the Puss-filled Boil made with tissue over a dollop of colored Vaseline these 21 projects are gratifyingly fun, easy, and generally, at least, demonstrative of some chemical reaction or physical property. Along with the standard-issue rubber egg and Ectoplasmic Gunk made with corn starch (called cornflour here), Martineau brightens up an erupting volcano with ketchup, offers an unusually low-tech magnifier made from drops of water on taut clingfilm, and suggests ways of making underwater fountains of food coloring go either up or down. She also urges young experimenters to seek adult help at appropriate points, and to set captive earthworms free after watching them burrow tunnels. Ursell illustrates materials, procedures, and occasional high jinks with bright watercolor cartoons. A good source of ideas for classroom show or for messing around on the kitchen table.--Peters, John Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-This is a wonderfully illustrated, straightforward science experiment book aimed at those who have already mastered testing whether apples can float but aren't quite ready to build their own robots. Topics including magnification, salt, worms, and volcanic eruptions are covered. Each experiment is briefly explained, step-by-step, with related fun facts. Readers will especially enjoy creating invisible ink and the balloon belcher. Martineau advises parental assistance on projects involving heat or the use of sharp objects. Many ingredients are commonly found in most homes. Children will come away enlightened, though the experiments are all very simple. Laced with humor, the engaging illustrations add further to the book's appeal. VERDICT This effective title will draw in even those who aren't strong science students.-Keith Klang, Port Washington Public Library, NY © Copyright 2015. 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.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-This is a wonderfully illustrated, straightforward science experiment book aimed at those who have already mastered testing whether apples can float but aren't quite ready to build their own robots. Topics including magnification, salt, worms, and volcanic eruptions are covered. Each experiment is briefly explained, step-by-step, with related fun facts. Readers will especially enjoy creating invisible ink and the balloon belcher. Martineau advises parental assistance on projects involving heat or the use of sharp objects. Many ingredients are commonly found in most homes. Children will come away enlightened, though the experiments are all very simple. Laced with humor, the engaging illustrations add further to the book's appeal. VERDICT This effective title will draw in even those who aren't strong science students.-Keith Klang, Port Washington Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2015. 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.
