(3) K-3 In this information-rich overview of climate change, Simon clarifies terms (e.g. global warming, greenhouse gases); discusses the effects of rising temperatures on crops, wildlife, forests, and communities; examines recent devastating weather events; and covers alternative energy sources. Throughout the well-organized book, Simon profiles some of the kid activists demanding action from governments around the world and provides action steps that readers can take themselves. Lots of well-chosen photos support the clear-eyed text. Reading list, glossary of terms, and index are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Bringing readers up to speed on what scientists currently know about dinosaurs, Simon emphasizes how paleontologists work: building on past knowledge and revising theories based on new information. This book covers a lot of ground, and, as always, Simon makes the information accessible and engaging. A lively design includes plenty of illustrations of toothy prehistoric creatures and photos of fossils and scientists. Profiles of a few species conclude the book. A timeline, glossary, index, and reading suggestions add to the title's value.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Simon's well-organized and informative account of Apollo 11 is situated in the politics, science, and technology of the mid-twentieth-century space race. He shows how technological advancements in the Mercury, Gemini, and early Apollo missions set the stage for the moon landing, and then, accompanied by a series of excellent photographs and astronaut quotes, recounts the landing itself. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Simon presents an overview of elephant species in his characteristically appealing language precisely attuned to the wonderings of children. Elephants' hides, trunks, feet, and tusks are described in detail, along with their remarkable family-oriented behaviors and both positive and negative human-elephant interactions. The large, clear photographs are impressive, capturing elephants' behaviors, physical characteristics, and habitats in excellent detail. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Simon introduces readers to a range of organisms that live in the ocean and highlights the many different environments found within its vast expanses. Discussions of sea creature reproduction, food webs, sensing organs, and ecosystem interdependence are the focus of the narrative. Photographs of the colorful sunlight-zone animals, as well as those stranger creatures in the ocean depths, are included. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Could life exist on other planets? Simon explains how new techniques and technologies have accelerated astronomers' search for Milky Way planets beyond our own solar system, leading to the discovery of planets that might be within the "habitable zone" of distant stars. Large, excellent images of telescopes, near and distant planets, and the imagined surfaces of possible future discoveries are included. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Simon describes the unique characteristics of horses and their relationship with people. Well-organized and clearly comprehensible, the text covers common horse topics in ways meaningful to children's experiences. Although captions would have supported points in the text better, the crisp photos in the book showcase the beauty of the species. This updated edition lists three related websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 A well-written text clearly explains the formation of tornadoes and scientists' efforts to predict their paths. Though the dark color photographs of tornadoes are ominous, Simon puts the likelihood of their occurrence in any given location into perspective. Other color illustrations include satellite images and weather maps. This updated edition adds more recent examples and images. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 This photo-essay covers the basics of what minerals are, the most common mineral types, using physical properties to identify minerals, major rock types and how they are formed, and how to enjoy rocks and minerals through hobbies such as rock collecting. As usual with Simon's books, excellent photographs support the clear writing. Thumbnail images of common rocks and minerals are appended. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristine Caldwell

(3) 4-6 An effective photo-essay dealing with several varieties of big cats--lion, tiger, snow and black leopard, puma, cheetah, and jaguar. Excellent action shots are combined with a detailed text to provide basic information about the animals' characteristics, habits, and habitats. This updated edition includes a new author's note and websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 1991

(3) K-3 In a continuous narrative tour of a variety of insect orders and species, Simon explains the wonders of insect anatomy, life cycles, their long presence on Earth, and their immense numbers. Common backyard insects receive additional attention. The excellent scientific information addresses numerous common misconceptions. Full-page photographs capture the range and beauty of insect species. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 "Wildfires are neither good nor bad." Simon lays out the evidence for the important role fires play in forest ecosystems. Featuring the 1988 Yellowstone fire, he explains its progress, the impact on plants and animals (many of which have evolved interdependence on fire events), and the use of controlled fires. In this updated edition, per usual, excellent photographs are well linked to the text. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 1996

(3) K-3 Simon successfully updates his coverage of the science of the red planet and its moons to include the findings and excellent large images (mainly from NASA) of recent missions and research projects, including those from the rover Curiosity. Historical and present-day efforts to find evidence of life on Mars, as well as the topography and chemistry of the surface, are covered. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1987; July, 2000

(2) K-3 Simon brings his conversational, child-friendly perspective on science to an elementary-curriculum favorite. The narrative moves effortlessly through the stages of the frog life cycle, explaining each in careful detail and making good use of the accompanying close-up photographs. Woven throughout the discussion are wondrous particulars about frog anatomy--such as the incredible flexibility of frog eyes and tongues. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2015

(2) 4-6 The culmination of Simon's planets series is a fine, comprehensive work on the solar system. Similar to the others in format, the book brings together information on all the planets, a good comparison chart, and typically excellent color photographs. Beautifully designed and a pleasure to use, this latest edition is updated with information from recent explorations. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1992

(3) 4-6 Simon presents an informative, wide-reaching overview of the earth's oceans, each chapter featuring a different aspect of ocean science, from storms, tides, and tsunamis to whales, turtle migrations, and coral reefs. Conservation in light of human interaction and climate change is also discussed. High-quality color photographs in attractive, functional layouts support the text. Ind.

Reviewer: Devon Johnson

(3) K-3 Simon takes readers under the seas to view beautiful coral formations in warm water environments, as well as the plentiful animal life that lives in and around the reefs. Along with scientific definitions and facts, Simon addresses the threats to coral reefs from human activity and climate change. Gorgeous, full-page photographs of tropical fauna invite careful scrutiny. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Devon Johnson

(3) 4-6 This book explores twelve extreme environments and natural disasters along with the flora and fauna that survive them and the scientists who study them. Gruesome details will delight middle-grade earth science buffs. Crisp, often breathtaking color photographs illustrate the extremes. Ind.

Reviewer: Lela Nargi

(2) K-3 Simon begins his clear and friendly explanations with the monarch butterfly and its remarkable migration. He then moves to a more general discussion of moth and butterfly life cycles, structure and function, species similarities and variations, and importance to humans. The outstanding full-page color photographs are perfectly in sync with the text, with each focused sharply on the pertinent details. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(4) K-3 This engaging introduction to tropical rainforests features handsome photos and Simon's always readable text. Each double-page spread focuses on a particular subtopic and is accompanied by from one to four well-chosen photos. The lack of photo captions is confusing in a few instances where several subjects are discussed on the same page. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian