School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-6-Cregan discusses the structure of the atom, key scientists, cathode rays and electrons, radioactivity, and atom smashers. Lee describes the difference between plant and animal cells, and their contents; diffusion; and cell storage, movement, and reproduction. Van Gorp provides an overview of matter and the elements and how the latter combine to form compounds; ionic and covalent bonds; the periodic table of the elements; reactions; and mixtures and solutions. The books have open layouts and large, easy-to-read type. Boxed areas highlight key topics and individuals, and "Did You Know?" bubbles offer additional facts. Large eye-catching and colorful photographs and illustrations appear on every page. Each of the books includes a simple activity. For example, Cells provides instructions for using two magnifying glasses and a newspaper to create a light microscope, and Elements provides instructions for combining compounds to create a bouncy ball.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.