Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 3-6, younger for the photographs. Dramatic design, incorporating stellar full-color photographs and a spaciously placed text, ensures that this will be picked up by browsers and researchers alike. The subject is a popular one, and Simon's explanations of earth's geologic makeup and how it contributes to the formation of volcanoes will be readily understood by younger readers. Simon looks briefly at a number of modern-day volcanic hot spots, including Mount St. Helens, Iceland's Surtsey and Heimaey volcanoes, and the volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands. He describes the different types of lava flows, the resulting rock formations, and the four types of volcanoes, noting examples of each. The account closes with the observation that volcanoes bring renewal after destruction: ``They bring new mountains, new islands, and new soil to the land.'' A handsome volume. DMW.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
From ancient myths to modern headlines, volcanoes are among the world's most amazing phenomena. Simon, award-winning author of Icebergs and Glaciers , Jupiter , Saturn , The Sun and Stars , et al., explores the subject thoroughly. Using examples like St. Helens and the volcanoes of Iceland and Hawaii, the author is able to address all aspects of his subject: the history, nature and causes of volcanoes. But given the expert presentations and finesse readers have come to expect from Simon, this work seems more difficult than it needs to be, and lacks the forcefulness and clarity of his previous books. However, Volcanoes is a good choice for reading aloud and as a lead-in to discussions; the superb full-color photographs redeem any shortcomings of the text. Ages 5-8. (August) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7 Simon presents information on volcanoes to young readers in an understandable text and colorful format. While Lauber's Volcano (Bradbury, 1986) primarily describes the life cycle of Mount St. Helens, this book provides a general overview of the types of volcanoes found around the world. It does not replace, but complements, Lauber's work. Further, it can be used successfully to generate interest on the part of those readers reluctant to pick up nonfiction books, as Simon gives readers an armchair tour of some of the more impressive volcanoes around the world: Mount St. Helens, the undersea volcanoes in Iceland, and Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The book is graced with many illuminating color photos that bring the text to life. However, the illustration of the plates, or crust layers of the earth, is somewhat difficult to understand. Better diagrams can be found in the adult source, Cottrell's Born of Fire: the Volcanic Origins of Yellowstone National Park (Rinehart, 1987). Still, this is a useful and attractive addition to science collections, as it is likely to become a favorite choice of young scientists. Stephen W. Zsiray, Jr., Cache County School District, North Logan, Utah (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.
Review by Horn Book Review
These three reissues offer cogent examinations and compelling images. Earthquakes covers causes, how faults are formed, and the kinds of damage that can result. In Oceans, Simon's concise exploration is enhanced by crisp photos and clear graphs, diagrams, and maps. In Volcanoes, there's no real sense of the impact of volcanoes on humanity, but the exceedingly handsome presentation is both appealing and dramatic. [Review covers these titles: Earthquakes, Oceans, and Volcanoes.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Twenty-five altogether stunning full-color photos and a clear, concise text are melded into a masterful introduction to volcanoes. Simon discusses the four major types, their locations and sources, and the different kinds of lava they produce. Smoke, steam, fumes, fire, and lava are dramatically portrayed: the fusion of the visual image and the written text is outstanding. Familiar volcanoes are well represented with photos of Mt. St. Helens, before and after the 1980 eruptions, and Manna Loa, the largest Hawaiian volcano. Less familiar are the eruptions in the sea near Iceland that in 1963 formed the island of Surtsey, and in 1973 added a 735-foot volcano to the island of Heimaey. Excellent science writing, a pleasure to read and view. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
