Natural Wonders and Disasters

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

These first two volumes in the Planet Earth series feature dramatic, consistently crystalline color photos (some extending over two pages) and pithy chunks of text--both designed to increase children's understanding of, and appreciation for our planet. Goodman ( A Kid's Guide to How to Save the Planet ) gives brief accounts of such disasters as earthquakes, floods and cyclones as well as explanations of their geological causes. Wu relates his first-hand underwater experiences to introduce his book's sections on various marine habitats; he concludes with a somber look at future dangers to the oceans. Because of its narrower focus and personal touches, this volume is the more effective of the two, but both work well as introductions to the incredibly varied aspects of the world around us. Impressive additions to the ever-expanding roster of children's nonfiction. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- Exceptional full-color photographs highlight this oversized volume. The text is interesting and informative, but lacks organizational cohesiveness. It also lacks diagrams to clarify such complex topics as plate tectonics or the differences between the Richter and Modified Mercalli scales. Tables of metric and centigrade conversions are included, as is a rather eclectic list of books ``for further reading,'' half of which consists of adult titles. Much of the information is readily available in other books, such as Patricia Lauber's handsome Volcano (Bradbury, 1986) and Seymour Simon's equally attractive Volcanoes (Morrow, 1988). All in all, a cocoa table book for young readers--colorful and not too demanding. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY