Simple Science Experiments with Light

Presents experiments, most of which use water, to demonstrate properties of shadow and light

Grade 1-3-- The dominant features of these four books are the unflattering, washed-out, color illustrations of unattractive children. With ears that resemble giant lima beans and facial expressions that mirror shock, these very young children demonstrate experiments suited mainly for students older than they. All of the experiments are familiar, yet more difficult to follow here because instructions are in prose form and not step outlines. Readers are regularly presented with questions relating to the causes and effects--an annoying habit which assumes, of course, that readers are performing the experiment at that moment. There are no cerebral imaginings and conclusions possible here. Although children are instructed to get help from an adult to perform a lighted candle experiment, they need to first notice this caveat printed on a dark-blue page. This series intended for "budding scientists" fails to provide primary grades with a consistent format integrating appropriate illustrations, text, and experiments. Prove It! (Harper 1963) is one of Rose Wyler's many sensibly written books that easily introduces beginner readers to this topic, while Judith Conaway's More Science Secrets (Troll, 1987) is a brightly illustrated, appealing science book that will excite young experimenters and produce many success stories. --Ellen Dibner, East School, Long Beach, NY
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