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Summary
Summary
Zippy art and clear explanations introduce the basic characteristics of four states of matter and how they change from one state to another. Totally up-to-date, this book for elementary school children includes plasma, now covered in all curricula.
Straightforward text presents the facts and Raff's infographic illustrations demonstrate the science and tell a humorous story. There are hands-on activities, such as using a chocolate bar to demonstrate material consistency and using a balloon to prove gases have weight, to reinforce the learning. A glossary defines density, plasma, vapor, and more essential terms.
Author Notes
David A. Adler is a former math teacher and author of more than two hundred picture books, biographies, and mysteries for children. His Cam Jansen books have made him a household name. He lives on Long Island.
Anna Raff has illustrated, designed, and written many books for children. She lives in New York City.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--Adler makes a commendable effort to introduce younger readers to a complex topic, with mixed results. He combines simply phrased explanations and demonstrations using measuring cups, balloons, and other common materials to make the differences between each classical state of matter easy to comprehend. The author goes a step beyond most similar overviews, notably Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld's What Is the World Made Of?, by tackling plasma as well. However, he doesn't acknowledge the possibility of other states of matter (the University of Cambridge and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered a new state of matter in 2016, as published in Nature Materials) and, more significantly, simplistically identifies smoke as a gas. Raff's bright cartoon illustrations add clarifying details and humor. Throughout the narrative, a frazzled dad messily undertakes the described demonstrations… helped by a dog who produces gas of its own. VERDICT A flawed but still engaging first look at the various states of matter, supported by hands-on components that are accessible to even the youngest experimental scientists.--John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York
Kirkus Review
Simple experiments and kid-friendly language teach concepts about matter to young audiences.The creators of Light Waves (2018) have teamed up again to create another engaging science book for kids. This time, the four states of matter are the topic at hand. The duo delivers scientific information alongside eye-catching illustrations with details that will delight. The book opens with the clear explanation that "Matter is anything that takes up space, even the smallest space, and has some weight, even the smallest weight," and it builds from there. As a family prepares a birthday party for Grandma, readers learn more details about matter and its different forms: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. A dog wearing safety glasses and two children with dark brown hair and peach skin tones (and no safety specs) conduct simple experiments that correspond with each form that matter takes. The complex scientific information covered in the book is made accessible and age-appropriate using typical party items such as a chocolate bar, ice cubes, and balloons. The text includes plenty of details for budding young scientists without becoming too dense. Explanations rooted in easy-to-replicate experiments drive concepts home and make for an educational and interesting read.Adler and Raff bring a hands-on quality to scientific explorations of matter. (glossary) (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Adler and Raff, whose previous science books include Things That Float and Things That Don't (2013), Magnets Push, Magnets Pull (2017), and Light Waves (2018), present the states of matter in their latest elementary science book. After discussing matter, molecules, and atoms, the text introduces solids, liquids, and gases, comparing the characteristics of those states as well as different substances within each state. Later, a double-page spread briefly describes plasma and offers examples, such as fluorescent and neon lights. In addition to illustrating the text, throughout the book the digitally enhanced ink-wash illustrations show two children, their father, and their dog as they prepare for their grandmother's birthday party and celebrate later that night. The party's never mentioned in the text, and this upbeat, visual narrative may distract some readers from the topic at hand. A few simple activities, such as one comparing the weight of a cup of water with another holding the same amount of oil, are described in the text and demonstrated by the characters in the pictures. Overall, a useful addition to the science shelves.--Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2019 Booklist
