SO COLD!

On a day that's 23 degrees below zero, a parent and child head outdoors for frozen play in this amiable story, a vehicle for spotlighting the science-savvy fun that can be had amid extreme cold. After bundling up in snow gear and a balaclava, the child, self-dubbed "Freezeman," and their father venture into the yard to observe the temperature's transformational effects. They blow soap bubbles ("Fragile bubbles float like snow globes with crystals inside"), successfully use a frozen banana to hammer a nail, create "snowmade" maple syrup candy, and practice tossing wet clothing until the yard is full of frozen trousers standing straight up. With grainy, chalk-like textures, Park's vibrant artwork employs cool tones to communicate the chill. The characters, whose skin tones reflect the white of the page, sport pink and purple hair, not to mention triumphant expressions, as their experiments wow time and again. Back matter further explains the activities. Ages 3--7. (Nov.)

K-Gr 3--On a cold Saturday morning, a father and child jump out of bed eager to venture outdoors to try out a range of science experiments made possible by the freezing temperatures. They start with a helium balloon that shrinks when outside and then conduct a range of experiments including a frozen banana hammer, "snowmade" maple syrup candy, crystals formed from boiling water, and wet clothes thrown into snow banks that land stiff and standing up--magically. Park's colorful illustrations have the depth of colored pencil but the breeziness of chalk drawings; these capture the snowy landscape perfectly. Father and "Freezeman" (a newly inspired nickname) present white, dressed in rainbow hues that complement the white backdrop. Back matter includes instructions for recreating the experiments depicted in the story. VERDICT A vital book for cold days or warm ones, this is a STEM celebration of the amazing opportunities below-zero temperatures can provide for eager explorers.--Heidi Dechief

Ice forms on Dad's beard. He looks like a messy eater with food on his face. "Wait a minute." He goes inside, and I look around. It's so quiet with nobody driving by. I pull my scarf to cover my mouth to warm the air. Down the street, someone tries to start a truck, but the engine whines and won't go. Dad comes back with a cup of hot water in one hand and a pan in the other. "Watch this." He throws the water up, and it turns into mist that hangs in the air. "Like magic," I say as it disappears. Excerpted from So Cold! by John Coy All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.