I'm a Volcano!

by Bridget Heos, Mike Ciccotello (Illustrator)

Overview

In the second installment of the Science Buddies series, a volcano takes young readers through the fascinating formation and life of an active volcano—cool! I mean, hot!

How do volcanoes form? What makes them erupt? Are there different kinds?

Hi, I’m Volcano! And I'm here to answer all your burning questions!

In friendly, simple text and with funny, engaging, and informative illustrations, a young volcano will teach readers everything there is to know about these exploding wonders. And while volcanoes can be a bit scary, kids will learn that they are carefully monitored and that they give us a lot of beautiful things too!

I guess you could say there is a lot to lava about volcanoes!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593302880
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Series:	Science Buddies , #2
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	549,537
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Bridget Heos is the author of more than one hundred children's fiction and nonfiction books, including the Children's Choice Award-winning Mustache Baby series and Treemendous. She visits schools around the country to get kids excited about reading and writing. In quieter moments, she enjoys finding nature in the city with her kids.

Mike Ciccotello is the author-illustrator of the picture books Twins and Beach Toys vs. School Supplies and is the illustrator of Treemendous by Bridget Heos. He lives with his wife and twin boys by the beach in New Jersey. Visit him at ciccotello.com.

Editorial Reviews

"Simple and engaging." - Kirkus

"A fact-filled primer on volcanoes that will answer young volcano enthusiasts’ burning questions. Perfect for browsing, research, or classroom." - School Library Journal

"The lighthearted overall tone will soothe anxiety-prone younger audiences." - Booklist

From the Publisher

09/01/2022

PreS-Gr 2—Digitally created illustrations and a fact-filled commentary from a friendly volcano introduce readers to the wonders of eruptions, lava, and other things related to volcanology. Images include a diagram of the Earth's layers, a map showing the tectonic plates with arrows to indicate their movement, and an illustration of two plates bumping into each other. The type of volcanoes that form where the plates meet and those that form in hot spots where the plates drift apart are also covered, as well as the difference between lava and magma. Vocabulary terms (e.g., "pyroclastic flow," "asthenosphere") are defined within the diagrams and in the main text, while also appearing in the glossary. Illustrations capture scenes like the buildup of pressure before an eruption, as well as scientists at work observing lava flow. Back matter includes a list of famous volcanoes, eruptions that changed the world, a detailed diagram of a volcano, the glossary, suggestions for further reading, and a select bibliography. VERDICT A fact-filled primer on volcanoes that will answer young volcano enthusiasts' burning questions. Perfect for browsing, research, or classroom use.—Suzanne Costner

School Library Journal

2022-09-14
Two personified volcanoes cheerfully explain how they are similar and different.

This latest addition to Heos’ Science Buddies series introduces volcanoes with a conversational first-person narrative directed at science-minded elementary school readers. First, a smiling gray volcano (perhaps Mount St. Helens or certainly a neighbor) reveals the underground secrets that lead it to EXPLODE! Starting with a pictorial representation of Earth’s layers and a map of googly-eyed tectonic plates, the text and the colorful, expressive illustrations explain how plate movements lead to magma melting and lava erupting. Two red volcanoes join the conversation to present current theories about the flow of their lava. The narrators are reassuring, letting readers know that scientists often monitor volcanoes to warn people before dangerous eruptions happen. Puns add to the chatty effect. More straightforward information in the backmatter includes descriptions and pictures of famous volcanoes, including Mount St. Helens; volcanoes that changed the course of history; and a cross section of a typical cone-shaped volcano. Humans shown include a dark-skinned adult and child enjoying the natural world and a diverse group of volcano scientists observing an eruption. Though not as detailed as other books on the topics, this title’s effective explanation of two distinct types of volcanic formation makes it a welcome addition, perhaps as a companion to Susan Rusch’s Volcano Rising (2013), illustrated by Susan Swan. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Not quite overflowing with information when compared with other books on the subject but simple and engaging. (glossary, further reading, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews