Earthquakes and Volcanoes (Reader's Digest Pathfinders)

Stimulating text, multi-layered illustrations, and hands-on activities present information about earthquakes and volcanoes, including notable examples in history, in the latest addition to a nonfiction science series. Teacher's Guide available.

Reviewed with Matthew Robertson's Insects and Spiders.

Gr. 4-8. Part of the Reader's Digest Pathfinders series, these inviting, oversize volumes combine fascinating facts and hands-on activities in a series of double-page spreads with lots of bright, clear, full-color illustrations and computer graphics. The lively captions and boxed screens will appeal to browsers; there's also more detailed information for those who want to know more. The volume on insects and spiders presents entomology in an easy, colloquial style that makes the science immediate and accessible, from mosquito menace to the insect-plant connection. The book on earthquakes and volcanoes is dramatic about the geology and about particular earthquake disasters and major volcanic eruptions. Some readers may be irritated by all the puns ("Total Makeover," "On Shaky Ground", etc.), but most will enjoy the combination of catchy headline and exciting science. Young grade-schoolers can talk about these books with an adult; older readers can follow the extensive cross-references for personal interest or as a starting place for reports. Both books include long, full glossaries of technical terms. Hazel Rochman
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