Earthquakes (reillustrated) (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) [Hardcover]

Franklyn M. Branley (Author), Megan Lloyd (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Series: Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2

Did you know that the earth is always moving? Even as you read this, the ground under your feet is shifting very, very slowly. Because it happens so slowly, you don't feel it. But sometimes the earth moves very quickly. When this happens, you feel it! The ground shakes, things fall from shelves, and cracks appear in sidewalks -- that's an earthquake.

This simple introduction to earthquakes explores what causes them, how they are measured, and what to do when you are in one. Read and find out all about one of nature's most mysterious and powerful natural forces in this brightly illustrated book.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4–A slightly larger format and new, colorful illustrations and diagrams accompany the original 1990 text in this new edition. The simple, easy-to-read narrative describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami) and safety measures to be taken during one. New additions include a page of earthquake facts, a list of the 10 most destructive (as determined by the number of fatalities), and a Web site. A nice update, if your old copy is suffering from circulation fatigue.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 3. This new edition of a primary-grade science standard retains the 1990 text but has new illustrations. Some of the paintings feature children demonstrating wave-related activities and earthquake safety procedures, but the most effective pictures are those that show the unseen and unseeable, such as cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth's moving crust. One double-page spread concerns a 1939 earthquake off the Chilean coast that resulted in a tsunami. From the dependable Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, this book explains what earthquakes are and what to do when they occur. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060280085
• ISBN-13: 978-0060280086
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,011,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Earthquakes & Volcanoes

More About the Author

Franklyn Branley was Astronomer Emeritus and former Chairman of the American Museum-Hayden Planeterium. In 1960, he originated the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, dedicated to explaining science to young children and encouraging them to explore their world. Dr. Branley is the author of over 150 science books for children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well done, February 26, 2009

By 

HeatherHH - See all my reviews

This review is from: Earthquakes (reillustrated) (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

This is a very well done book on earthquakes aimed at the early elementary school crowd. It's very thorough but enjoyable. The language is not dumbed down like many children's books, but difficult terms and concepts are explained in a concrete way, such as the comparison of the earth and its crust to an apple and its peel. Several examples of real earthquakes are presented, describing the level of damage and destruction along with the Richter scale measurement. As would be expected, the main section of the text ends with safety tips.

The illustrations are gorgeous and vibrant. They take the book from good to outstanding. They really give you a feel for what the text is describing.

Finally, at the very back of the book, there is a page with additional earthquake facts, just neat little "did you know" sort of things that weren't part of the basic earthquake information. There's also a page listing the top ten most destructive earthquakes in terms of the death toll.

I have another book on earthquakes aimed at this age range, and it's very lackluster. This one, however, is outstanding, with very little room for improvement.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Explanation For Kids, April 30, 2010

By 

emily "FunSchoolingAtHome" (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Earthquakes (reillustrated) (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

The books in this series explain things that kids wonder about and need to know in a way they can understand. Young elementary kids will learn from these as a read a loud and enjoy them in one sitting. I would even go as far to say that kids a little older (grade 3-5) would enjoy these in one sitting as an independent read and vocabulary builder. You can easily plan a study unit around each of these books or use them as an addition to the curriculum you alread use. The photos are a great plus as well. I recommend using this series as a summer education builder. Use one book each week as a theme throughout your summer. Never stop learning!

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book!, February 17, 2010

By 

Janet Gerber (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Earthquakes (reillustrated) (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

Just read this with my 6 year old. What a terrific book! It is very well-written and the illustrations are also top-notch. We learned a lot. It was very interesting. Would love to read more books by this author. This was the best book on the subject (for this age) that we've read.