(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paolo Rui. Macdonald places an inquisitive boy at the scene of Galileo's famous experiments with gravity and falling objects. Though the science itself is murky, the process of scientific discovery is elucidated in an engaging, clear manner. Rui's sun-drenched acrylics are adequate to the task of explication while also setting the scene in 1589 Pisa. A useful book for elementary physics lessons.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paolo Rui. Based on source materials, these imagined journal entries written in the voice of Galileo discuss how he refined the telescope to observe Jupiter and its moons, which led to his controversial conclusion about heliocentric planets. Although anachronistic, the modern tone of the entries--along with an invented pet dog named Luna--makes the text accessible. Lively, colorful paintings add energy to the story. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian