Kaboom! A Volcano Erupts and I finally understand how a volcano happens! Jessica Kulekjian might have written a book meant for the younger crowd (oh about ages three and up) and then added extras for the up crowd with “side balloons” with more than the basic information, but this adult finally got the picture. And that was not just because Zoe Si made some adorable illustrations. This book has all the ins and outs of volcanoes in a way that is cute and informative. And that information is cleverly presented. That art is just cute. The very simple, simplistic even (but not by any stretch of the imagination in a negative way) illustrations are a great way to visualize the motion of the lava and the color commentary is not just limited to the text. Things get really stinky and hot and you can see that. The colors are happy, bright, maybe a little exaggerated, but that adds to the charm.
The book keeps growing after the cycle has completed by giving even more scientific information that allows the older child to keep getting information. It looks easy, but is far from it. I think it is probably one of my favorites on the subject (not that I have read a lot). This is because it mixes nonfiction and fiction (birds do not wear “space suits” and talk to people about volcanoes, nor do volcanoes have cute faces) into an easy flowing story.
I plan on finding more Kulekjian titles and hope that the author and illustrator make a science series with other natural events. (Read via an online reader copy)