One question that teachers and mentors have to face on a routine basis is — how to talk to children. The question is asked in a general sense — spanning across diverse fields, like talking to them about social and behavioral issues, storytelling, science, and education in general. Communication with children is a problem because the usual prevailing methods either treat them as stupid or use a language which is far advanced for their age. If you have ever spent even a couple of minutes with a child of any generation, you must have been astonished at the gross underestimation of their intellect. This is even more pronounced in the current times of large information inflow when children are exposed to and are aware of advances in diverse fields. When I receive books for children for review, this is the aspect that I look for, and sometimes I do get disappointed at the underestimation of children’s understanding of scientific concepts and their curiosity. There are some very good writers, some of who are also good artists. Even if they are not, this task can he delegated to professional artists. So there should not be any problem with presentation of content — in design or illustration. The only task — the biggest taste — is an accurate understanding of the child’s mind, its needs and likes.

One way is to use a language which they can easily understand and at the same time which exposes them to new terms and concepts which ignite new flames of curiosity in them and also expands their horizon. I understand that it is easier said than done, and there are few instances where it has been implemented with any success.

However, this is precisely what has been achieved by the book Hands-On Science: Geology, written by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Druscilla Santiago, which opens the door to the branch of science that deals with the study of the Earth system. I am sorry if I upset you, but Geology is usually considered a boring subject and I haven’t met many people who are excited by this field. But I do have friends who have told me — correctly — that Geology is much more than just breaking stones! The book Hands-On Science: Geology builds up on that thought and takes the children on a pictorial tour through the vast expanse of the field of Geology. It starts with telling what Geology is and the various topics that are studied in it. Several concepts involved in the study of Geology are introduced next. But it does not stop there, instead goes on narrating various applications of studying Geology.

In fact, by the end of the book, the writer has already conveyed the idea that there is almost no area in modern society that does not carry any imprint of Geology — from pen and pencil to rockets and launch vehicles. It starts with Earth, and then throws a cursory glance at other planetary bodies — Moon, Mars, asteroids. And it accomplishes all this with the help of several light and clear illustrations accompanied by short text in the form of verses. The overall style of the book is entertaining and free of errors.

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Title: Hands-On Science: Geology
Author: Lola M. Schaefer; illustrated by Druscilla Santiago
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Date: 3 October, 2023
Print Length: 40 pages
Suitable for Age: 4 – 8 years
Price (Kindle): $9.99
Price (Hardcover): $16.99
My Rating:
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