Sound and Hearing

Children's Literature

Sound can be a mystifying factor in daily life. Have you ever waited at a crossing and wondered which direction a train was coming from? The strange stereo effect in that situation is but one of the characteristics of sound that are addressed here. Our ability to hear and sense sound is based upon an amazingly complicated mechanism¾the human ear. The construction and workings of this part of the human anatomy is the starting point in this enlightening book for elementary-age children. The book is well laid out and touches on many topics, including sound speed, pitch, transmission and auditory perception. In addition to informative text the book is nicely illustrated. It also provides a set of experiments that deal with sound. The experiments allow kids to make a tin can telephone, construct a megaphone, develop a bottle organ and visualize sound waves. This is a cleverly developed science book that provides excellent information as well as activities that help bring science to life. Part of the "Science Experiments" series. 2001, Benchmark Books, $33.75. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck