Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book

A is for Atom, B is for Black Hole, C is for Clone-hang on to your test tubes, were covering a lot of ground here! But both the science-curious and the science-phobic are in for a treat as the author of one of the wittiest math books around takes on a new topic. Ranging freely from DNA to jet-propelled squid to proof that its best to prepare dragon tonic using the metric system, this smorgasbord of science topics makes a great classroom resource or gift for the budding scientist. By the time kids plow through all the quirky pictures and funny captions were sure theyll agree that W is for Wow! 55,000 hardcover G is for Googol: A Math Alphabet Book in print.• A Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2001 • Educators, please visit our Resources section, above, for teaching guides and curricula .

A is for Atom, B is for Black Hole, C is for Clone-hang on to your test tubes, were covering a lot of ground here! But both the science-curious and the science-phobic are in for a treat as the author of one of the wittiest math books around takes on a new topic. Ranging freely from DNA to jet-propelled squid to proof that its best to prepare dragon tonic using the metric system, this smorgasbord of science topics makes a great classroom resource or gift for the budding scientist. By the time kids plow through all the quirky pictures and funny captions were sure theyll agree that W is for Wow! 55,000 hardcover G is for Googol: A Math Alphabet Book in print.• A Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2001 • Educators, please visit our Resources section, above, for teaching guides and curricula .

Children's Literature

Schwartz, author of How Much is a Million?, has written a host of lively children's books about science and math. This one tackles some sophisticated topics and makes them fun using humorous asides and Doner's quirky illustrations that both clarify and entertain. Young science buffs can either browse for topics that catch their interest or read straight through from Atom to Zzzzzzzzzz (about sleep), finding along the alphabet information that will not put them to sleep. "H is for H2O" shows how hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons to make water (calling a molecule the "Mickey Mouse Molecule" for its two round hydrogen electrons) and why water holds together, clarifying the concept of surface tension. "In a grand drama called ?Life on Earth,' water would be the star of the show." Ironically for readers, Schwartz uses the example of the Exxon Valdez oil spill to explain why oil-covered birds and mammals cannot live when oil wrecks their water's surface tension. Other standouts include Schwartz and Doner's collaboration on the immune system, using the kitchen as a science lab, the often-confusing Systeme Internationale (better known as the metric system), and determination of sex by the Y chromosome from fathers. This appealing guidebook to some important science concepts would be a terrific gift for a student, science teacher, or public and school libraries. An excellent four-page glossary rounds out this resource. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft

As a child, KIM DONER aspired to be a Ballerina-Veterinarian-Artist— dancing at night, saving animals by day, and summering in Africa to draw wild animals from a treehouse. Today, she has made those dreams a reality-sharing her love of the arts through her award-winning children's books, rehabilitating wildlife, and planning a return to Africa with her husband. Kim lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

DAVID SCHWARTZ is the author of 50 children's books, including G IS FOR GOOGOL and Q IS FOR QUARK. He is a frequent guest speaker at schools in the US abroad. He lives with his wife-and co-author-YAEL SCHY in Oakland, California.