Review by Booklist Review
This vividly illustrated picture book points out the breadth and variety of subjects that science encompasses as well as some of the questions it addresses: So into the earth, / and into the sky, / we question the how, / the where, when, / and why. First published in Lee Bennett Hopkin's anthology Spectacular Science: A Book of Poems (1999), Dotlich's poem What Is Science? works well here as picture-book text--with minor changes and a few added lines. In a series of double-page spreads, Yoshikawa depicts an inquisitive trio of children and their helpful dog engaged in a variety of activities: visiting an oilfield, twirling in a hurricane, flying a spaceship to Saturn, and camping out in the country, to name just a few. The well-composed illustrations, made of acrylics, pastels, and paper collage in glowing colors, use repeated forms to create a sense of visual rhythm that suits the rhyming text well. A nice discussion starter for classrooms beginning science units. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2006 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-A different version of this poem initially appeared in Lee Bennett Hopkins's Spectacular Science (S & S, 1999). Dotlich begins and ends with the line, "What is science?/So many things." In between, she enumerates some of the areas of study-astronomy, geology, paleontology, oceanography, botany, meteorology, and zoology. Each page has just a few words, in large print, superimposed on a background of boldly colored acrylic, pastel, and collage art. The rhyming text flows nicely, but because some spreads contain only sentence fragments, a quick read-through is necessary to get the full effect of the rhyme and cadence. Pleasingly rounded shapes dominate the paintings, which feature stylized boys and girls of various ethnicities, surrounded by plants and animals, as they observe nature and use books in their research. Many children are attracted to "science," but few youngsters realize all that the word encompasses. Although this book leaves out important categories, such as chemistry and mathematics, it does introduce a wide range of subjects. With its large illustrations, simple text, and important concepts, this title will be enjoyed by newly independent readers, or will ignite excitement in a group. A unique look at the topic.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This story in rhyme answers the question ""What is science?"" by giving simple examples: ""The study of rocks, geodes and stones, / dinosaur fossils, and old chipped bones."" Each spread of cheery acrylic, pastel, and paper collage features three children and a dog engaged in scientific exploration, their facial expressions effectively reflecting the joy of discovery. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Short rhyming verses give young children an idea of the vast array of topics that scientists study. "What is science? / So many things. / The study of stars / and Saturn's rings. / The study of rocks, / geodes, and stones, / dinosaur fossils, / and old chipped bones." Dotlich's focus is on the natural sciences, with primary attention given to the earth sciences, and to the exclusion of chemistry. While this will no doubt generate enthusiasm for scientific study, an afterword listing the names of the actual disciplines would have been a helpful resource. Yoshikawa's artwork truly makes science come alive for young readers. Her cartoon characters, weighted in favor of girls, use books, tools, maps and notebooks to learn more about the world around them. Humorous elements and spare use of paper-collage details will keep youngsters engaged in searching the illustrations. A child-friendly introduction to the huge, and sometimes daunting, realm of science. Sure to find a place on many nursery and kindergarten bookshelves. (Picture book/nonfiction. 2-7) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
