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Light waves
2018
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"An introduction to the physics of light for young readers, with an overview of photons, transparency, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the mechanics of reflection"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

A kid-friendly introduction to the physics of light by the popular team behind Things That Float and Things That Don't combines hands-on activities that demonstrate the principles of the electromagnetic spectrum, photon particles and more. - (Baker & Taylor)

An introduction to the physics of light explains photons, transparency, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the mechanics of reflection. - (Baker & Taylor)

Fascinating physics facts a young scientist needs to know, from one of the most trusted teams in STEM for children!

This kid-friendly introduction to the physics of light covers the basics of solar energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, photon particles, light scattering, and reflection and refraction. Readers will follow along as two children and a cow in a lab coat learn how light works in realistic and imaginative scenarios.

With accessible language, grounded examples, and easy, hands-on experiments you can do with household items, David A. Adler explains the basics of how light travels and bends.  Anna Raff's bright, humorous illustrations make an intimidating topic easy-- and fun!-- to understand. This colorful picture book is a perfect supplement to lessons on light waves, and a great way to explore the topic at home.
 
Named a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Children's category, Light Waves is a must-have book for all self-professed science nerds! - (Random House, Inc.)

Author Biography

David A. Adler is a former math teacher and author of more than two hundred books for children.  He has collaborated on several science picture books with Anna Raff, including Things That Float and Things That Don't and Light Waves, a finalist for the SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books.  He is also the author of the Picture Book Biography series, the Cam Jansen mystery series, as well as books on math and history. He lives in New York.

Anna Raff is an award-winning illustrator of children's books. She illustrated David A. Adler's Simple Machines and Things That Float and Things That Don't, which received starred reviews from both Booklist and Publishers Weekly. She lives in New York City. - (Random House, Inc.)

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Booklist Reviews

Inviting children to explore fundamental questions about light and related phenomena, this attractive book introduces ideas such as the transfer of energy from one form to another, the properties of light waves, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Does that sound complex? Fortunately, Adler knows know how to explain basic scientific principles through everyday occurrences that kids can understand, as well as simple activities that they can do at home. Using readily available materials (a flashlight, a book, cardboard tubes, and some tape), step-by-step directions, and the related pictures, children can show "that light waves travel in straight lines." Other activities demonstrate transparent, translucent, and opaque materials as well as refraction and reflection. Raff's cheerful digital artwork includes a few imaginative illustrations of abstract concepts and many images of two children engaged in play that demonstrates the ideas discussed. Explaining light through simply written, basic explanations that offer a sound foundation of understanding for students to build on, this book is a great choice for school and public library collections. Grades 1-3. Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 2–5—This book introduces readers to the concept of light waves. Two young children and an anthropomorphic cow take readers on a tour of light energy in its various forms. Readers learn about translucency, transparency, reflection, refraction, different kinds of rays (gamma, x-rays, UV light, radio waves), and more. A handful of simple hands-on experiments are also included, allowing students to learn more about how light travels and how it can be bent using common household materials. The explanations, while simple and concise, are conveyed at a brisk pace—and the book ends rather abruptly. The appealing illustrations nicely complement the concepts conveyed in the text. For example, seven colored waves with different crests and valleys emerge from a prism and reflect from a white piece of paper to portray how colors are observed. The book concludes with an index and glossary, but lacks any listing of additional resources. VERDICT A worthwhile resource for large STEM collections looking to introduce young learners to the basic concepts of light waves.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.

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