Party Science

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These authors have a knack for offering concise, easy-to-understand explanations of common phenomena. Terms requiring further clarification are highlighted in pink and defined in a small pink box in the margin. Party includes discussions of soft-drink chemistry, popcorn, ice cream, gelatin, balloons, candles, the zodiac, illusions, laughter, and even vomiting. A time line follows an entertaining path from 1783 and the invention of a process for carbonation to the technological future. The second book discusses toys and games that float, spin, fly, make noise, etc. Close-up color photos and clear diagrams positioned well with the text help to enliven the design and enhance the explanations. Some of the sections have sidebars that describe experiments or activities in well-delineated steps. These books are sound, highly educational, and entertaining purchases for general science and physics collections. A good complement, Jean Potter's Science in Seconds with Toys (Wiley, 1998) has far more experiments, but its explanations of principles are much sparer. This combination can be a gateway to understanding and inspiration for future engineers and scientists.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.