The Stunning Science of Everything: Science with the squishy bits left in!
Grade 4–8—This humorous look at science combines colorful cartoons and writing that ranges from lighthearted to silly and conveys a lot of interesting information. Starting with the Big Bang, the book moves quickly from small (atoms, microbes, and bugs) to big (humans, dinosaurs, and the universe). Each page is filled with cartoon drawings in a variety of visual presentations. A wanted poster introduces a deadly bacterium; film panels describe possible Earth-destroying disasters; and "awful animals" are presented through "secret diary" entries (in which a naked mole rat complains about having to "feed my baby brothers and sisters with my own poo"). Several humorous, but also informational, features recur throughout the book: "Brainy Boffins" are mini-profiles of famous scientists; "stunning science fact files" and "Bet you never knew!" boxes offer impressive tidbits of information; and the "shrinking scientists" are three cartoon characters who investigate DNA molecules, toilet water, and other interesting phenomena. Some readers may find it hard to extract useful knowledge from the barrage of humor, but for others the presentation might be just right. Reinforcing the concept of the electromagnetic force with the fact that "your bum is floating" above your chair, for instance, may be an unconventional approach, but it's also attention-getting, memorable, and accurate. The heavy doses of visual and verbal comedy are built around basic science and a plentiful array of fascinating facts, making this a strong choice for booktalkers and reluctant readers.—Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, ORCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.