Volcanoes

by Nell Cross Beckerman and Illustrated by Kalen Chock

I’m a big fan of Nell Cross Beckerman’s books. Her book CAVES makes me want to explore one ASAP (Has anyone been to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico? It’s on my bucket list).

VOLCANOES is another engaging nonfiction picture book. It starts with “Plates shirt. Land tilts. Gas seeps. What is coming? A rumble, a tremble, a grumble, growing, growling, getting hot.” Volcanoes are seismic, life-changing, and fascinating. I admit, I’ve written a couple volcano manuscripts myself. What child can resist the Beckerman’s invitation to keep reading? And Chock’s illustrations are equally engaging and inviting. They make volcanoes look as fascinating as they are! I must admit, visiting Volcanoes National Park was one of my travel highlights.

With her combination of lyrical main text and engaging sidebars and backmatter, Cross Beckerman has created a great read aloud with fascinating facts. She covers everything from kinds of volcanoes, to volcanologists, to famous eruptions, to the ring of fire, and even Martian volcanoes.

Beckerman ends with another “what is coming?” idea. Will the child be the one to someday discover answers to other remaining scientitific questions? Will volcanoes hold some of the answers?

Our planet is truly dynamic,, and so are children with their hunger for knowledge. I recommend this book.