Air

Children's Literature

How much do you know about air? Do you know what air does? This "Let's Explore" book will tell you everything you need to know about air including, what it is, the different forms it can take, using it to fly and even air pollution. The descriptions are simple and easily understood by a young child. A beautiful color photograph that helps the child understand the concept accompanies each description. For example, when describing that the wind can turn into a tornado, the picture on the following page is of a tornado. When explaining air that goes inside of a tire, the picture is of two children on bicycles. The book also asks questions for the children to answer. This book will be well used in an elementary school science class. The words are large so that a young reader can more easily read. 2001, Gareth Stevens, $21.26. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson

Children's Literature - Sylvia Firth

According to the author's introduction, the book is intended to be a first encounter with concepts that form the world young children experience. It covers a great many subjects in just thirty-one pages so there is just basic information provided. These include breathing, kite flying, wind energy, hurricanes, and tornadoes as well as hovercraft and flight. Some facts have little or no explanation, which may be confusing to children, so it is definitely a book to be shared with an adult. A glossary would have been a useful addition. The colored photos are clear and go well with the text. Occasional questions such as "Do you know why bicycle tires have air in them?" should stimulate discussion and get children to think more about the topic. Unless there is a real need for beginning science books, the rather steep price may preclude purchase. Part of the "Let's Explore the Elements" series.