Magnets (All Aboard Science Reader) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A wonderful science reader for children who are reading alone and have an interest in magnets. This book is a "Station Stop 3" book in Grosset & Dunlap's All Aboard Reading series. From inside the front cover "With longer text and harder words, these books appeal to children who have mastered basic reading skills. ...[will] captivate children who are ready for more challenging books."
Advanced first grade readers will enjoy this book without adult help. As a parent I marveled that the author skillfully introduces and describes concepts such as attract, repel, the composition of magnets, magnetic field, magnetic force, magnetic domains, electromagnets, the earth's magnetic field, how animals and insects use magnetic fields, maglev trains, and electromagnetic rail guns for launching satellites. The breadth and depth of coverage is just right for this level of reading. The young scientist reading this book will find reason to read and re-read the text several times.
The author presents the concept of magnetic dipoles using the terminology "magnetic domains". This approach and the associated illustrations do an excellent job of communicating a fundamental concept of magnetism at a level that a young mind can grasp and build upon. The book is delightfully illustrated with ink and watercolor illustrations that contribute to the text and hold the reader's interest. Illustrations are very important in beginning science books and Mr. Sinnott has been added to my list of distinguished illustrators based on this book. I enjoyed the picture on page 22 showing the magnetic dipoles in a cutaway view of an iron nail. The polar bear showing magnetic field lines on pp. 20-21 is also excellent. The pictures are an integral part of the story and the theme of north meets south is an excellent touch with polar bears and penguins actively involved in the presentation of magnetic science.
There are a couple of "try it" blocks scattered throughout the text to tempt a child to experiment. At the end of the book is a glossary.

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What's strong enough to smash atoms? What's able to power high speed trains? What can defy the force of gravity? It's in metals. It's in Earth. It's magnetism! Filled with interesting facts and easy at-home magnet experiments.Illustrated by Adrian C. Sinnott.

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