What Is A Scientist?

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-In a deceptively simple style, this little gem introduces the scientific process. It begins on the verso with the statement, "A scientist is a person who asks questions and tries different ways to answer them." On the recto, a large, clear, colorfully bordered photo shows a first-grade scientist engaged in that investigative step. Hanna is seen wondering about fruits and vegetables. She asks, "Are there this many peas in every pea pod?" Other students are shown noticing details, drawing what they see, taking notes, measuring, designing experiments, etc. The last two pages explain that a scientist keeps trying things over and over and, perhaps best of all, has fun. A final spread repeats the photographs in miniature and sums up what a scientist does. Without chapters, further-reading ideas, or even an index, this title reads like a picture book while conveying a positive message. An accessible volume that will prove especially useful in the classroom.-Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI