Review by Booklist Review
At last, a material known to every crafter for its almost-supernatural tendency to spread everywhere gets its due. Barton opens by explaining what "iridescence" is, speculating about its visual attractiveness and pointing out the places it can be observed in nature, from feathers and mica to the elytra of beetles. He details early examples of its use in art and decoration before offering a history of its modern manufacture (initially known as mineral "flitter," then "slivers" of plastic before companies like Glitterex gave it its current name) and some of the many uses to which it has been put, including cupcakes and mixtures with Ash Wednesday ashes to "signal the welcoming of LGBTQ+ worshippers." Its downsides are also noted, such as the use of child labor to mine mica and the fact that the bulk of it is by definition a microplastic and contributes substantially to pollution. Closing with references to efforts to create biodegradable and sustainably produced alternative glitters, he urges readers to "shimmer more thoughtfully" and rounds up sources and resources for further enlightenment. Visual sparkle is added by Prabhat's painted images of a racially diverse cast of mostly children investigating or celebrating their glittery world amid showers of brightly hued dots. A shining example of a seeming niche filler that turns out to have significant relevance for an astonishing range of issues and interests.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Barton explores glitter, a source of fascination (and frustration), diving into the science, history, and entrepreneurship that created the material we know today. He doesn't shy away from the drawbacks, from everyday irritations to the serious environmental impact of microplastics to the exploitation of child labor in the mining industry. But he also explores the joys of glitter, including why people have always been attracted to things that shine and sparkle. From the early days of using mica and beetle shells to create something shiny to new innovations intended to make glitter more ecologically friendly, Prabhat's colorful, layered, collage-style digital illustrations capture its messy allure. Many spreads are flecked with small shapes, evoking glitter's ubiquitous quality. Whether they love the stuff or loathe it, readers will find something here to pique their curiosity. Back matter includes an author's note on Barton's research process, an illustrator's note, sources, and suggestions for further reading. (c) Copyright 2024. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The whats, whys, and hows of glitter. Barton began his successful writing career with a book about shining colors, The Day-Glo Brothers (2009). Here, he tackles another showy subject. In an engaging, conversational narrative, he explains why glitter sparkles, speculates on why humans like sparkly, shiny things, and looks back at historical uses. He describes glittery bits made from the wings of beetles in ancient Egypt and from mica in civilizations around the world. Barton also examines the etymology of glitter. (It was once called flitter.) Then he turns to modern glitter, made from plastics, touching on the manufacturing process as well as glitter's small size (measurable in microns) and uses, with special attention to Mardi Gras. Barton explains why glitter clings so easily to anything it touches and unpacks environmental concerns about microplastics, which often end up in the ocean. He mentions the more recent innovation of biodegradable glitter and problems with mica mining. Throughout Prabhat's lively digitally created art, three young people follow the investigation. On one spread, a dark-skinned child with Afro puffs peers at glitter through a microscope while a light-skinned child with long, dark brown hair uses tweezers, and a brown-skinned child gazes through a magnifying glass. There's humor, too, mostly related to glitter's clinginess. The author ends on a hopeful note, praising "the steps humans are taking to shimmer more thoughtfully." (This book was reviewed digitally.) An intriguing, entertaining investigation sure to catch readers' attention. (author's and illustrator's notes, further reading, selective bibliography) (Informational picture book. 5-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
