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From School Library Journal

October 1, 2023

Gr 2-4-This unique picture book follows a sleeping volcano; a red bird narrates, explaining that the volcano is dormant, meaning it hasn't erupted for many years. The bright illustrations show the volcano beginning to wake up, erupt, and then go back to sleep, all while the red bird provides more scientific information on each page. The information will be of interest across several grade levels. The book uses vivid spreads paired with simple text that is perfect for younger ages. However, due to more in-depth information on every page, it's also ideal for budding volcanologists in upper elementary. VERDICT With information in the back matter offering a more complex view of volcanoes and the types that exist, this book is a well-rounded informational picture book suitable for any public or school library.-Jessica Clark

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Booklist

September 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 3 This is a book that begs to be read out loud. A cheerful little red bird narrator warns readers to hush because a peaceful volcano has been slumbering for years. Then deep below, a whisper of magma stirs, and things begin to shift. The groggy volcano sputters, spurts, and growls, working itself up to a terrific Kaboom! and a loud declaration: ""I'm awake!"" While the volcano works itself into a tizzy, spewing lava, our avian narrator keeps up ongoing, accessible explanations of what's happening, using technical terms to explain concepts like tectonic plates, conduits, and ash. The volcano's words appear in large type; the bird's in tidy conversation bubbles. The story ends with the volcano falling back asleep, surrounded by its newly created land, home to flowers and butterflies. The vibrant illustrations align perfectly with the text, using palettes that effectively mirror the rising and falling action. There's ample back matter and listed sources, making this appealing for report writers. This is a fun and effective introduction to volcanology that should perk up elementary STEAM collections.

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