Janice VanCleave's Play and Find Out about Nature: Easy Experiments for Young Children (Play and Find Out Series)
PreSchool-Grade 3.  These activities are designed to help children to find out about "Basic Life-Forms," "Predators and Prey," "Body Temperature," "Animal Movement," "Plant Growth," "Plant Parts," and "Flowers." They all make use of readily available materials. While some require time for results to be seen (e.g., plant growth), most can be completed in one session. The steps are clearly labeled with simple diagrams when necessary. Each experiment is followed by a short summary that explains the scientific reason for its outcome and offers "More Fun Things to Know and Do." The questions posed are those that children routinely ask, e.g., "Why Do Peeled Bananas Turn Brown?" "Why Do Cats' Eyes Glow in the Dark?" "How Can Grass Grow in a Sidewalk?" and "Why Do Some Flowers Smell Nice?" VanCleave's explanations are straightforward and concise. The book has a clear and uncluttered look with average-quality two-color art throughout. A good choice to satisfy youngsters' curiosity and to complement curricula.?Olga Kuharets, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, NCCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.