Running on Sunshine

April 15, 2018
Grades K-3 This lively book introduces solar energy, its technology, and its many uses. The process starts when light hits a solar panel. As the child-friendly text explains, When sunlight strikes this glass, its electrons flutter. . . . They jiggle and jostle, like kids fidgeting in a line, passing the Sun's energy from one electron to another. It's one long shiver of energy. It's electricity! After mentioning the environmental impacts of traditional power plants, DeCristofano acknowledges problems connected to solar energy and the efforts of engineers to solve them. The book also discusses some of the many applications of solar energy technology, including powering solar cookers, race cars, household electrical equipment, and a plane flying nonstop around the world. Cheerful and colorful, the digital artwork shows diverse people globally, depicts women as engineers, and provides helpful cross-sectional views of traditional and solar power plants. An appended, age-appropriate activity uses simple equipment and techniques to demonstrate the power of focused sunlight to melt an ice cube. A timely, informative addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2018
In concise, straightforward prose, DeCristofano introduces young readers to solar power: where it comes from and how it is harnessed, converted into energy, and used. In an even-handed discussion, she covers the environmental advantages of solar power over more traditional methods of producing electricity as well as some drawbacks (and possible solutions) to the use of solar power. Colorful digital illustrations depict a diverse cast of characters using solar energy, while a small section on engineers, defined as people who solve problems, is entirely populated by women. Well-placed questions such as What happens when it rains? Or when clouds block the Sun? ask readers and listeners to become actively involved in the narrative. A final, step-by-step experiment of directing sunlight to particular objects might require adult help in interpreting its relationship to solar power, although children should have no problems setting up and executing this investigation. Appended with a glossary of scientific and technological terms and a pictorial diagram that shows some present and future uses of solar energy. betty carter

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2018
In concise, straightforward prose, DeCristofano introduces readers to solar power: where it comes from and how it's harnessed, converted into energy, and used. Colorful digital illustrations depict a diverse cast of characters using solar energy. Well-placed questions ("What happens when it rains? Or when clouds block the Sun?") involve readers in the narrative. Appended with an experiment and a pictorial diagram showing uses for solar energy. Glos.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from April 15, 2018
An introduction to solar power.DeCristofano's engaging, conversational text compares how solar panels work to plant photosynthesis, though it never uses that scientific term. Nor does it name climate change, though it identifies pollution caused by generators at energy plants as a main culprit behind negative "changes to weather patterns" and suggests solar energy as a clean alternative. The text excels at clearly describing how solar energy is gathered, stored, and used, and it also highlights current innovations and anticipates new developments to make solar energy use more widespread and effective. The hopeful, aspirational tone is downright sunny and is well-matched with Medeiros' clear, graphic illustrations, which she created digitally. While neither pictures nor expository text follow specific characters, the artwork depicts diverse people of varied skin tones, genders, and abilities interacting with solar-powered devices and working with solar technology, including two spreads with women of color wearing the hijab in different settings. The text also examines current difficulties and limitations of solar technology, though it doesn't explore specifics about the process of manufacturing solar cells and panels.A necessary, engaging book that shines a light on solar energy. (experiments, glossary) (Informational picture book. 4-9)

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