Vampires and Light (Monster Science)

Description

These are books that make science exciting by teaching concepts in a new way. Zombies and vampires may be undead - but that doesn't exempt them from the laws of science! Capitalize on kids' fascination with all types of monsters with this creative, amusing - but accurately fact-filled - look at important scientific concepts. Each vignette uses a monster and cool graphic-novel-style illustrations to show the hows and whys of science.

After bringing us such titles as Aliens and Energy (2012), Ghosts and Atoms (2012), and Werewolves and States of Matter (2012), the Monster Science series returns from the dead with its special blend of graphic-novel art, conversational text, and goofy monster sight gags. Vampires and Light is an obvious good fit, and throughout lessons on Sir Isaac Newton's experiments, light speed, lenses, and eyes, various vamps dodge beams of deadly sunlight and fail to appear in mirrors. Many of the illustrations don't make hay of the vampire premise, but others nail it, as when infrared light is demonstrated by showing Dracula scoping out prey with night-vision goggles. Zombies and Electricity mostly uses its undead cast as dopey stand-ins for lessons on atoms, currents, magnets, and more. For example, to illustrate positive and negative charges, a rotting businessman and a dead cheerleader take either side of a seesaw while holding plus and minus cards. Zombies are electrocuted on nearly every page, and it's no wonder - "Flesh," Weakland writes, "is a good conductor of electricity." The busy pages and lack of clarifying elements like bullet points and graphs make this fun series best for those who learn by following story lines or conversations.-- "Booklist"