Figuring Out Fossils by Sally M. Walker (Lerner Publishing, 2013) caught my eye because (1) I love Sally Walker and (2) I read a book by Ms Walker about fossils last year, a part of the Early Bird Science series. To my delight and surprise, this was the same book I read last year, repackaged with more kid-friendly design and a new title. I never reviewed it last year, so I am pleased to have revisited it.
Ms Walker is expert at explaining complex concepts without talking down to the young reader. Her text on fossils is simply perfect. I am not a science person myself, but reading the series (now called “Searchlight Books — Do you Dig Earth Science?”) gives me confidence and understanding about the basic concepts of the titles. These books are written for middle-elementary level readers, with large text, frequent diagrams and illustrations, and a glossary of unknown terms. The redesign of the book makes it a little more kid-friendly. Font style, text-box design, and placement of illustrations goes a long way toward keeping a young reader’s attention. Digital review copy.
