What Is Science?

A whirlwind tour through the intriguing world of science

What exactly is science? Stars and planets, rocks and soil, hurricanes and airplanes—science is all of these things and so much more. It's also about curiosity: asking questions and exploring possible answers.

Through simple words and child-friendly illustrations, this poetic picture book introduces young children to the exciting and ever-changing world of science.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-A different version of this poem initially appeared in Lee Bennett Hopkins's Spectacular Science (S & S, 1999). Dotlich begins and ends with the line, "What is science?/So many things." In between, she enumerates some of the areas of study-astronomy, geology, paleontology, oceanography, botany, meteorology, and zoology. Each page has just a few words, in large print, superimposed on a background of boldly colored acrylic, pastel, and collage art. The rhyming text flows nicely, but because some spreads contain only sentence fragments, a quick read-through is necessary to get the full effect of the rhyme and cadence. Pleasingly rounded shapes dominate the paintings, which feature stylized boys and girls of various ethnicities, surrounded by plants and animals, as they observe nature and use books in their research. Many children are attracted to "science," but few youngsters realize all that the word encompasses. Although this book leaves out important categories, such as chemistry and mathematics, it does introduce a wide range of subjects. With its large illustrations, simple text, and important concepts, this title will be enjoyed by newly independent readers, or will ignite excitement in a group. A unique look at the topic.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Rebecca Kai Dotlich is the author of many picture books for young readers, such as In the Spin of Things: Poetry of Motion. She lives in Indiana with her husband.

Sachiko Yoshikawa has illustrated several books for young readers, including Beach Is to Fun: A Book of Relationships. She lives in Seattle, Washington.