Light The extraordinary energy that illuminates our world

In this informal but not simplistic discourse, physicist Wade explains what light is and how it behaves--as incredibly fast waves, for example, that generally travel in straight lines but can bounce off opaque objects and spread out into a rainbow after "sort of wriggling their way through" certain transparent ones. She also sheds light on wavelengths and visible colors, leading to a glance at the entire electromagnetic spectrum as well as shadows. While pointing to other sources of light, from lightning to lantern fish, she focuses mainly on sunlight and how its energy is used not only by plants and animals but in human-specific medicine and technology to run quantum computers and see into the ocean depths and the farthest reaches of space. In Sanfelippo's glowing illustrations, a sunny-faced young STEM-winder and her beaming pooch guide viewers from nighttime sweeps of starry skies and lush daylit landscapes to glimpses of solar cells and other tech marvels on the way to a final, prism-generated rainbow. There's much here for younger readers to absorb and reflect on.

An introduction to an essential aspect of our universe. As the accompanying illustration depicts a dark but starry sky, Wade emphasizes the omnipresence of light and considers its sources, uses, and forms, as well as ways humans harness it for their own needs. A glance at shadows naturally follows, along with an invitation for readers to look at their own shadows at different times of day and to observe light reflected, scattered, and dispersed into a rainbow. After discussing colors and the electromagnetic spectrum, the author considers solar panels and then journeys back out to space, bringing the narrative full circle. Logical organization and clear, simple writing provide welcome, well-placed explanations. As in Wade's previous book,Nano, illustrated by Melissa Castrillón (2021), this one maintains a sense of wonder at the phenomenon it is describing while conveying a great deal of accurate and appropriately detailed information. Sanfelippo's bright line and soft color illustrations use fanciful forms and varied perspectives to convey complex ideas. Though cartoonish, they deploy romantic motifs like curves, florals, and atmospheric elements. On almost every page, a round-headed, light-skinned child with skin the white of the page experiences the various aspects of light. A scruffy pooch adds humor on most spreads, while a marmalade cat also pops up here and there. Science is artistic and enthralling here. The optics are optimal in this primer on a basic scientific phenomenon. (extra information on light)(Informational picture book. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.