What Is It Made Of?

Children's Literature

Newton, Chip and Pixel are the guides that accompany readers on a fun and fact-filled journey of discovery in the pages of this exciting book. Safety measures and a page for parents ensure safe-passage for youngsters as they discover and conduct experiments using different materials. The easy-to-read text is accompanied by colored photos and graphics, sidebars and the constant companions Newton, Chip and Pixel. Steps for experiments are numbered clearly and are easy to understand. Properties such as hard and dull, float or sink and texture are included in the chapter on testing materials. Using materials covers various aspects such as sand, wood, paper, glass and plastic. Materials that change include experiments on bending, twisting, melting and stretching. The properties of water will be a favorite, where budding scientists explore bubbles, steam and some amazing tricks. This is a very practical and fun way for youngsters to have fun while learning and is a useful classroom or home resource. 2001, DK Publishing, $24.95. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Sue Reichard