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Children and adults alike will enjoy the flawless photography in this book, which complement perfectly with the informational content the author has put together for all to enjoy. Whenever a picture cannot capture what he is presenting, the use of a diagram is presented. Mr. Simon, a science expert who has written over 200 informational books, informs the reader about icebergs and glaciers in a fairly simple manner and with easy to understand text. The book is recommended for fifth graders, but adults are able to enjoy it as well, and with a bit of |
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creativity and modifications, younger readers as well. The book is not arranged by chapters or even through the use of subtitles to distinguish between the creations and different stages of icebergs or glaciers, but the author starts from when a snowflake first forms, and follows through in a manner which explains the process of the beginning, middle, and ending stages. This makes it simple to follow and comprehend. He goes on to explain what these two wonders cause throughout the years and the clues they leave behind for us to learn from. For example, he mentions that �as glaciers move, they often scratch lines into the layers of rock� among their surroundings. Accompanying this fact is a picture of a rock with these lines. He also explains that glaciers also tend to �wear down the bedrock to smooth, rounded humps.� Underneath this, he shows a picture of some very smooth rocks, which he explains are called �sheep rocks� due to their shape. The author is neither patronizing nor condescending in the way he presents the information. Students are able to understand what he is presenting simply because he is careful to explain the vocabulary without the need of a glossary. For example, in order to introduce a glacier, he begins by explaining how years of snowfall create a huge mass of ice which eventually begins to move. He explains that it moves very slowly, �but however slowly, when an ice field begins to move, it has become a glacier.� Presenting the facts in this way makes it more of an interesting book of facts rather than a dictionary or glossary.
This book can be used by the classroom teacher to accompany or replace either a science chapter on weather, icebergs and glaciers, earth changes, or even a narrative about the sinking of the Titanic. The information this book contains is current and will not change with time. Mr. Simon has chosen facts which are accurate and timeless. The cover is attractive, and the inside is equally satisfying and interesting. One cannot talk about icebergs without mentioning the Titanic, but Mr. Simon manages to touch on the topic without making the readers lose focus. He maintains the reader focused on his topic and eager to learn more.
Seymour, Simon. 1987. Icebergs and glaciers. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
ISBN 0-688-06186-9. |
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