Science books capture imaginations

Since when did shelves full of science books get to be fascinating for young children? Relatively recently. And just in time, as we accumulate more and more evidence that Mother Earth needs for us to learn about it and take care of it.

Sylvan Dell Publishing is devoted to "Science and math through literature." Every book is a quality book complete with additional learning activities in the back of the book and online. Many of the titles have been enthusiastically reviewed in this column and enthusiastically read by parents, teachers and children.

"A Day in the Salt Marsh" is an excellent example. The author, Kevin Kurtz, developed award-winning curriculum material for the S.C. Aquarium and is an avid advocate of the salt marsh. He'll be reading and signing his book at the Mount Pleasant Barnes & Noble 2-4 p.m. Sept. 5.

Candlewick Press publishes the "Read, Listen and Wonder" series, available in paperback. Each book comes with a read-along CD that includes music and facts and is designed for children ages 5-8. Every title is brightly illustrated, stuffed with enough information for a child to write a report and includes an index.

I especially like the random facts that are slipped in with the basics. In "Surprising Sharks" by Nicola Davies, I learned which sharks have built-in lights (lantern sharks), which sharks can blow up to three times their normal size (swell sharks) and which sharks try to eat each other before they're born (sand tiger sharks).

Other books in the series by Davies are "Big Blue Whale," "Bat Loves the Night" and "One Tiny Turtle."

"Growing Frogs" by Vivian French gives step-by-step, environmentally friendly instructions on how to, yes, grow frogs.

"Fold Out and Find Out" is another "wonder-full" science series from Candlewick Press, especially for preschoolers. "Big Yellow Sunflower" by Frances Barry starts out, "Little seed, little seed, falling to the ground, what will you be?" Each page unfolds to form a giant sunflower when the last page is read. A lift-the-flap gives detailed instructions on growing sunflowers at home. A graphic and attention-getting triumph!

"Little Green Frogs," also by Frances Barry, unfolds into a frog pond. Cool. Very cool.

"Maisy's Nature Walk" by Lucy Cousins is a vibrantly illustrated book for preschoolers. Maisy sees everyday plants, insects and birds, but the walk is exciting with flaps to pull and information and activities in the left margin.

Learning can be fun. Really!

Contact Fran Hawk at franbooks@yahoo.com.