How Mountains Are Made

September 1, 1995
Gr 2-3-In this clear, concise presentation, four children introduce the subject of mountain formation by taking a hike in their local community. The youngsters appear throughout the book, commenting in dialogue bubbles about specific facts, giving demonstrations of ways mountains change, or making humorous asides. They provide continuity and keep the tone light while information is related to explain why fossils of sea animals are found atop mountains, the various layers in the earth, why volcanoes form, and the effects of erosion. The text and illustrations work together well in this sequential, well-organized book. Much credit goes to Hale's engaging watercolor illustrations done in cheery colors; they are simply drawn but add effective examples and diagrams. Used with Franklyn Branley's Volcanoes (HarperCollins, 1985), this fine addition to the science series would be of value to students interested in the geology and the changes of planet Earth.-Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ

August 1, 1995
Ages 5^-9. Four children and a dog climbing a forest trail provide the framework for this discussion of mountains. Along the way, the knowledgeable characters explain the earth's structure and tectonic plates as well as the different types of mountains and how they are formed. Bright line-and-watercolor-wash pictures and diagrams illustrate the text. Apart from the problem of scale that crops up when showing four children and a tree sitting on a cross-section of the earth extending down for 95 miles, the illustrations succeed quite well in showing the structures, forces, and processes that mold mountains. An appealing addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series. ((Reviewed August 1995))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1995, American Library Association.)