I'M A VOLCANO!

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.