Oscar and the Bat: A Book About Sound (Start with Science)
PreSchool-Grade 2—A young cat discovers that there's a lot to learn. In the first book, he admires bird songs and then runs from the noise of an approaching thunderstorm while a bat points out some characteristics of sound. In the second title, the feline plays with a ball as a friendly cricket points out the principles behind its motion. Without using scientific vocabulary, the author introduces the concepts of force, resistance, speed or pitch, volume, and proximity. Additional examples are incorporated into the respective story lines. A final spread provides a review of the scientific principles and suggests simple exploratory activities. The digitally produced, full-bleed artwork has muted tones and mostly flat shapes reminiscent of illustrations from the 1950s. Children will recognize themselves in Oscar in these discussion starters. For similar content but a more exuberant approach to motion, try Claire Llewellyn'sAnd Everyone Shouted, "Pull!" (Picture Window, 2005).—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.