Zoe Si – illustratör

The story of a volcano’s eruption, as it’s never been told before! A perfect pick for budding volcanologists — or any child who can’t resist a good kaboom!

Here’s a step-by-step story of a volcanic eruption — told from the volcano’s point of view! Readers meet the volcano as it placidly slumbers, which it’s been doing for thousands of years. Then things begin to stir to life deep inside. First come the hisses, as hot magma moves into a chamber beneath the volcano. Then, steam, gas and ash start to gurgle and sputter out, followed by the magma and gases rising up. Finally, the volcano shouts, “I’m awake!” as lava, hot rocks and billows of ash erupt out of its vents with a giant kaboom!

In this lively informational picture book, Jessica Kulekjian uses a playful and spirited tone to introduce the thrilling natural phenomenon of an erupting volcano. The unique first-person narrative makes this a perfect read-aloud, giving listeners the opportunity to act out what’s happening. The volcano’s narration is augmented by the comments of a red bird who appears on every spread to provide the play-by-play and to introduce easily digestible volcanic facts and terms, from magma chamber and tectonic plates to ash clouds. The quirky, funny artwork by Pulitzer Prize–nominated cartoonist and illustrator Zoe Si uses cutaway illustrations for a look inside the volcano. The text has been vetted by volcano experts. Backmatter includes a volcano’s anatomy, phases and types, and sources for further learning. An excellent choice for earth science lessons on volcanoes, earth’s crust, minerals, rocks and erosion.

This fun, informational picture book expertly pairs poetry and science to explain how a cloud experiences the water cycle.

Here’s an innovative story about the water cycle – told by a cloud! The cloud describes the process in lyrical prose, complemented by side commentary from a clever bird who fills in the science facts. First, the cloud soaks up moisture, gathering “steam from a cup of tea” and “vapors from salty seas.” Then, it becomes full and heavy: its “soggy edges bulge.” Finally, it BURSTS, creating a rainstorm, punctuated by thunder and lightning. Until, at last, it’s spent, “frizzled, drizzled, drained,” leaving only a rainbow.

With its inventive combination of poetic and explanatory language, this compelling book is ideal for reading aloud and interaction. The accessible text by Jessica Kulekjian and appealing, simple art by Pulitzer Prize–nominated cartoonist and illustrator Zoe Si effortlessly teach young children about how clouds form, explaining what water vapor is and how it moves from the air to the ground and back again. Expert-vetted back matter includes diagrams and explanations of the three stages of the water cycle, information about types of clouds and an exploration of the life cycle of a thunderstorm. It’s a perfect pick for science lessons on weather and the water cycle, and a great companion book to Kaboom! A Volcano Erupts.