Volcanoes (Smithsonian) [Hardcover]

Seymour Simon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 23, 2006 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Smithsonian

When Mount Vesuvius blew up in A.D. 79, ash, cinders, and stones buried a great city below the mountain.

Volcanoes are dramatic and powerful. There are thousands of them all over the earth. Franklyn M. Branley's clear text and Megan Lloyd's striking illustrations explore the fascinating subject of volcanoes—how they form and erupt, where they are found, and when you can expect a volcano to blow its top.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From ancient myths to modern headlines, volcanoes are among the world's most amazing phenomena. Simon, award-winning author of Icebergs and Glaciers , Jupiter , Saturn , The Sun and Stars , et al., explores the subject thoroughly. Using examples like St. Helens and the volcanoes of Iceland and Hawaii, the author is able to address all aspects of his subject: the history, nature and causes of volcanoes. But given the expert presentations and finesse readers have come to expect from Simon, this work seems more difficult than it needs to be, and lacks the forcefulness and clarity of his previous books. However, Volcanoes is a good choice for reading aloud and as a lead-in to discussions; the superb full-color photographs redeem any shortcomings of the text. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–4—Lloyd's colorful new graphics update Branley's 1985 text (HarperCollins), which includes accounts of a few historic eruptions (Mounts Vesuvius, Tambora, St. Helens, and Parícutin) and explains how and why volcanoes form. Plate tectonics as well as scientists' study of and efforts to predict eruptions are also covered. A list of volcano facts appears, but it is frustrating in that the three types of volcanoes are named but not described. Instructions for an activity (plural on the cover) that involves making a baking soda and vinegar volcano are also appended. The new illustrations excel at depicting ideas presented in the text and include scenes of destruction, including buried cars, cities in ruins, and collapsed bridges. Overall, this work remains a sound, basic introduction to the topic, especially useful where the original is showing its age.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Collins (May 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060877162
• ISBN-13: 978-0060877163
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,986,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this series, and Branley's are among the best!, February 27, 2006

By 

Christina B. Kennedy "Real book addict. E-bo... (Near Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Volcanoes (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

This book is a perfect introduction to volcanoes for K-2 level kids, and older kids or early readers may enjoy reading them alone. It is easy to understand and the illustrations are clear and nice-looking. Unlike some science books for kids, this series tends to be very readable, versus a drier text that may make some kids lose interest quickly.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visually Stunning Photos!, April 9, 2008

By 

Karen Fazioli "The Faziolis" (PA, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Volcanoes (Paperback)

This book not only provides beautiful photographs, but good comprehensive information too. The material is accessible and thorough and is enhanced by the stunning photography. If you're looking for basic information, this is a great resource.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for science lovers, December 30, 2008

By 

Veena Mathad "Doctor mother of 2" (Morrison, CO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Volcanoes (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

I bought this for my almost 4 year old for Christmas and he loves it. We have read it 3 times a day everyday since Christmas. We went to Volcano National park, Hawaii a few weeks ago and he just fell in love with volcanoes. Definately a must have for your little science lover.