April 1, 2018
PreS-Gr 2-One simple but cool project in each title leads early readers through their first experience with procedural writing. With an adult close at hand, little ones are encouraged to mix up cornstarch slime, make a rainbow in a jar, or inflate a fart balloon (actually made with garlic). Large photographs of children executing each step make these projects nearly foolproof for verbal and visual learners. Online videos that show a child (often a different one than in the photos) successfully completing the project provide additional encouragement, should it be needed. Each book concludes with a simple explanation of the chemistry or physics of the project. Bright colors and the genuine smiles of the photographed kids will win readers over. VERDICT This deceptively simple set offers practice synthesizing visual and verbal instructions. Early learning collections in need of crafting inspiration will want.
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2019
With descriptive directions and large, clear photographs, each appealing volume takes readers step-by-step through a simple experiment then explains the science behind it. A few materials may be hard to find, and the target audience will need adult help, but the concrete examples lend themselves well to the concepts of liquid density (Rainbow), gases (Rocket), and molecules (Balloon). Additional content available through the Capstone 4D app. Reading list. Glos., ind.
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