Science Fun with Peanuts and Popcorn

Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum

Want to grow a popcorn plant? Wyler shows how in this exploration of the natural world that revolves around two favorite kid foods: peanuts and popcorn. The experiments are described clearly and illustrated by Pat Stewart, with such irresistible titles as "Fuzzy Popcorn," "Popcorn Pushups," and "Seeds' Needs."

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5 The title itself will not sell this book to most youngsters, but once inside the pages, the combination of recipes, history, experiments, and even riddles and games will fascinate children. The easy-to-read text, clear instructions, questions and answers, and non-technical approach will motivate kids to learn, to do, to read. The book is fun: the combination of information and activities about two popular foods, peanuts and popcorn, informs and entertains. Clever illustrations in shades of yellow and gray appear on each page. Adult supervision is recommended with each potentially dangerous experiment. No index, bibliography, or glossary is included. A useful supplement for collections holding Watts' Peanuts (Childrens, 1978; o.p.), dePaola's Popcorn Book (Holiday, 1978), and Hall's I Love Popcorn (Doubleday, 1976; o.p.). Andrea Antico, Aurora Hills Middle School Library, Colo.