Earthquakes by Ellen J. Prager (illustrated by Susan Greenstein; National Geographic Kids, 2017; Jump into Science! series) is an illustrated nonfiction picture book that teaches about earthquakes in a child-friendly way. Cartoon illustrations, maps, and diagrams make the book easy to approach. By asking questions, the book encourages the reader to consider before they continue reading. With clear answers, Prager’s book allows children readers to approach this potentially scary subject armed with understanding instead of fear.
Earthquakes begins by emphasizing that earthquakes are a common occurrence and that they occur when there is a release of pressure under and around tectonic plates. It explains how earthquakes happen, their duration, and what the end results may be. Earthquake safety tips are included. The end of the book includes a discussion of the San Andreas Fault and earthquake safety, as well as how scientists measure and prepare for earthquakes.
As with any earthquake book, then, it has facts about earthquakes that may scare the youngest readers, but I feel it is a good choice for first graders and older that are studying earthquakes or that want to learn about our earth.
