I’m a Neutrino: Tiny Particles in a Big Universe
by Dr. Eve M. Vavagiakis, Ilze Lemesis (Illustrations)
This children’s picture book introduces the idea of neutrinos to young readers in a simple way. The text is in rhyme, and the illustrations help the reader to visualize an imagined concept of neutrinos even though they are so small that we can’t see them.
Neutrinos can pass right through us all the time because they don’t have an electrical charge, so they don’t interact with matter in the same way that other particles do. Scientists are still studying neutrinos and learning more about how they work. This book encourages the reader to someday study physics and maybe make their own discoveries!
Since the author is a physicist themselves, the information appears to be reliable and accurate. I appreciated the scientific integrity in the wording of some of the theories presented.
I loved the cute artwork! The bright colors are attractive, and each page illustrates something interesting about neutrinos. At the back of the book, there are more detailed explanations about some of the properties of neutrinos and how physicists are studying them.
I actually learned some new things from this book! This would be such a great gift for any kids who are interested in science.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The Stardust That Made Us: A Visual Exploration of Chemistry, Atoms, Elements, and the Universe
by Colin Stuart (Goodreads Author), Ximo Abadía (Illustrations)
This book teaches the reader about the periodic table, how the elements were discovered and categorized, and how each element behaves. We learn about the scientists throughout history who studied and discovered new elements, and how scientists today are still searching for new super-heavy elements.
I especially liked the parts that explain how we use various elements in our everyday lives. There is fluoride in our toothpaste, neon in bright signs, helium in balloons, chlorine in our stomach acid, and iodine in our salt. Bromine is used in flame retardants, boron is in bulletproof vests, and bismuth in makeup and hair spray. We have chromium coating on our cutlery, and our pipes are made of copper. Indium makes our smartphone screens touch-sensitive.
I also liked the explanations of how the different elements got their names. They are named after cities, famous scientists, Greek gods, and planets. There is an entire chapter all about the Nobel prize, and the most famous Nobel winners who also have elements named after them. It was so interesting to learn all the history behind the periodic table!
The artwork is so colorful and attractive. The design of each page is beautifully organized with factoids and bits of information in separate boxes on the page. It makes it easy to read, and it catches your attention.
One thing that I appreciated about this book is that when they are talking about a scientific theory, they make it clear that it is a theory, not proven fact. The writing is careful to be accurate about how they word things, so as not to give the impression that things are facts, when it’s really just a theory. I love scientific books that have integrity like that!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech
by Ted Kooser, Connie Wanek, Richard Jones (Illustrator)
This book of poetry is divided into sections for Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. The poems range into various topics about thunderstorms, nightmares, animals, trees, stars, technology, and a flyswatter.
My favorite poem was “Harpist”, about a harpist playing her instrument like it is a giant golden butterfly. She strokes the strings like the veins of a butterfly wing.
None of the poems are in rhyme, and there is no meter. There are some lines with clever similes that I really enjoyed, and other similes that just sounded dumb to me or didn’t make sense. But that is poetry. It speaks to people in different ways.
Each poem is beautifully illustrated in soft colors. The artwork is fuzzy and misty and imaginative.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Luminous Libro 