Light Waves - by David A Adler (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Fascinating physics facts a young scientist needs to know, from one of the most trusted teams in STEM for children!

This kid-friendly introduction to the physics of light covers the basics of solar energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, photon particles, light scattering, and reflection and refraction. Readers will follow along as two children and a cow in a lab coat learn how light works in realistic and imaginative scenarios.

With accessible language, grounded examples, and easy, hands-on experiments you can do with household items, David A. Adler explains the basics of how light travels and bends. Anna Raff's bright, humorous illustrations make an intimidating topic easy-- and fun!-- to understand. This colorful picture book is a perfect supplement to lessons on light waves, and a great way to explore the topic at home.

Named a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Children's category, Light Waves is a must-have book for all self-professed science nerds!

Review Quotes

"A good beginning look at light and all the ways it's important to life on earth."--Kirkus Reviews

"The appealing illustrations nicely complement the concepts conveyed in the text. . . . A worthwhile resource"--School Library Journal

"Using a mix of illustrations and simple experiments aimed at a younger reader, David Adler explains the basic composition, behavior, and properties of light. . . . a glossary at the end helpfully pulls together all the optics terminology."--Science Magazine

"Fortunately, Adler knows know how to explain basic scientific principles through everyday occurrences that kids can understand, as well as simple activities that they can do at home. . . . Raff's cheerful digital artwork includes a few imaginative illustrations of abstract concepts and many images of two children engaged in play that demonstrates the ideas discussed. Explaining light through simply written, basic explanations that offer a sound foundation of understanding for students to build on, this book is a great choice for school and public library collections."--Booklist

About the Author

David A. Adler is a former math teacher and author of more than two hundred books for children. He has collaborated on several science picture books with Anna Raff, including Things That Float and Things That Don't and Light Waves, a finalist for the SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. He is also the author of the Picture Book Biography series, the Cam Jansen mystery series, as well as books on math and history. He lives in New York.

Anna Raff is an award-winning illustrator of children's books. She illustrated David A. Adler's Simple Machines and Things That Float and Things That Don't, which received starred reviews from both Booklist and Publishers Weekly. She lives in New York City.