Seymour Simon's Extreme Earth Records

Gr 3–6—Similar in appeal to the Guinness Book of World Records, this volume combines science with questions such as which is the coldest, hottest, deepest, most destructive, and more. Simon knows how to attract young fact mongers. With his characteristic accuracy, he chooses his words carefully, admitting that scientists "think that" rather than spewing facts that may one day be challenged. Anticipating natural questions like "what is a monsoon?," "why is it called Death Valley?," or "how far can people dive?," boxed details broaden the facts. Full-page and inset color photographs are both informative and eye-catching. Images such as steps to nowhere following a tsunami, flowing lava, raging waterfalls, and accompanying facts are enticing. Particularly effective are stamplike graphics that emphasize the location of some of the images. With specifics that kids will understand, comparisons are offered throughout to give readers a sense of the full impact of the extremes. A discussion of waterfalls includes the detail that you will be arrested and fined if you survive going over Niagara Falls. This is the type of book that can easily lead to more investigation as readers discover fascinating facts and learn a bit about the explorers and scientists who endure extreme conditions and why.Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library