Caves and Caverns (Paperback)

by Gail Gibbons (Author) "Deep down in the earth, people have found dark hollow places..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-In straightforward, clear prose and colorful, text-related illustrations, Gibbons describes the formation and physical features of caves. Some of the pictures are labeled, and many depict people of varying ages exploring the different kinds of subterranean spaces. Plant and animal life found underground is briefly mentioned. The term "spelunker" is defined; oddly, "cavern" is not. Rules and supplies needed for spelunking are given, along with a short list of caves for enthusiasts to visit. Unfortunately, Gibbons's popular, child-friendly style is somewhat marred by unexplained circles (flashlights? spotlights?) that appear in each illustration. Young readers are likely to find them distracting. Both Jenny Wood's Caves (Gareth Stevens, 1991) and Lionel Bender's Cave (Watts, 1989) cover more ground and have excellent photos as well as cross-section illustrations. Nevertheless, this title will be enjoyed by budding scientists and explorers.
Kathleen McCabe, East Meadow Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews
Again, by presenting the types of caves and how they are formed, Gibbons provides simple, straightforward science in picture-book format. Though sea, ice, and lava caves are mentioned, the focus here is on limestone caves. Several drawings show how rainwater containing carbonic acid erodes the limestone to form caverns filled with convoluted and beautiful spires, shards, and other shapes; one illustration defines the technical terms for these creations. The text is clear, but the drawings can be confusing--as when dripping water seems to create stalactites and stalagmites even in a cave filled with seawater. Cavils aside, a useful introduction. (Nonfiction. 7+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Voyager Books (October 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152013652
• ISBN-13: 978-0152013653
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #111,820 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #21 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( G ) > Gibbons, Gail
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't expect to learn much!, May 16, 2001

By	"dadcock904" (N. Grafton, MA USA) - See all my reviews

Given that this is an informational book, I expected to find lots of info about caves and caverns, clearly described and detailed. The text is often confusing and raises more questions than it actually answers. This confusion is compounded by the artwork. The illustrations are appealing to the eye and well suited for children, but they do not work particularly well with this topic. The pictures that accompany the text are often confusing and do not interact well with the written word. (Not to mention the fact that all people represented in the art are white.) Actual photos might have been a better choice, esp. considering the age level. If you know a child who is interested in this topic and really wants to learn something about caves and caverns, this is not the book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable...and it went with us to a cave, April 22, 2009

By	Heather Martin (The Republic of Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We used this in our study of, can you believe it, caves. I know, we're weird.

Anyways, this book was great. It presented the material clearly and had nice illustrations to help them further understand. After reading it they spent hours drawing pictures of all sorts of caves and caverns.

You could easily spend several days/weeks going through the information here and expanding it with further books, activities and pictures. As with all of Gail Gibbons books I try to find actual photos of the things she illustrates. We even took this with us to explore some caves and the boys were able to identify things based on what they learned from this book.

*taken from my review at goodreads