★ Winter 2018
Gr 2–7—Large eye-catching photos are the star of the show in this exploration of light. In addition to examining basic topics such as light waves, the sun, color spectrum, reflection, and refraction, Wick also tackles iridescence, pigments, and other concepts not often covered in introductory books for children. Photos illustrate how lenses work in a camera, telescope, and magnifying glass, and show a prism refracting light or close-up views of iridescent insects and feathers. Much of the text serves as expanded captions for the photos. Some smaller images are harder to see, such as the tiny beam of light split into colors after passing through a water-filled box. The text refers to the processes and experiments behind the photos, and Wick provides more extensive instructions and explanations in two pages following the main text. Although upper elementary students may be able to do some activities with adult help or supervision, younger students will probably remain observers of teacher or parent demonstrations. Without a glossary, index, or list of additional sources, Wick's title may serve best as a starting point to encourage explorations using hands-on activities found elsewhere. VERDICT Libraries with strong STEM collections should consider Wick's visual introduction to an intriguing subject.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato
★ 2018-10-28
An exploration of the workings and gifts of light.
Matter can be solid, liquid, or gas—but what about light? "What is it made of? How does it fit alongside everything else in the world?" Light is energy, and Wick's photographs—huge, glossy, and crystal clear—glow with it. On the first spread, a shaft of light, a beaker of water, and some rocks appear almost mystical. Next, a close-up of a candle with its wick aflame is downright hypnotic; across from it, a sequence of small photos show a match striking a rock and flaring up. Later, another progression shows three incandescent sources—candle, bulb, sun—each in turn lighting a teacup-saucer-spoon arrangement that never varies in placement, effectively demonstrating how lighting alters color. The text examines incandescence, iridescence, refraction, the relationship between light waves and colors, pigments, magnification, heat, fire, and the sun—always clearly and in concert with spellbinding photographs. The radiant illustrations show color spectrums, light shining through and across various objects, almost-magic tricks of light, and demonstrations of light waves that use water as a visible symbol. Scrupulously, Wick acknowledges that photographs in books "cannot fully capture the purity and intensity of color that's observed directly by the human eye"—but these will enrapture even readers too young to fully comprehend the science. A meticulous, adult-directed author's note elaborating on the principles covered will help caregivers answer curious children's further questions.
A love story to light and color, both educational and visually stunning. (Informational picture book. 6-12)
