Magnets Push, Magnets Pull

Adler's excellent explanations of physical science for young children (Things That Float and Things That Don't, rev. 11/13; Simple Machines) continue with this exploration of magnets and magnetism. The informative, interactive text encourages readers to track down materials and investigate on their own as they read about topics such as the metals that magnets attract, the properties of bar magnets, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. Each physics concept is carefully explained at just the right level for the target audience, and anchored in visible phenomena such as the classic experiment with a bar magnet and metal filings that helps explain the concept of "magnetic field." Adler clearly knows the common misconceptions in this area of science, and either addresses them directly or skillfully constructs lines of reasoning that prevent them from developing in the first place. Raff's illustrations of children and their mischievous dog assistant provide a friendly and helpful orientation to the activities described in the text. A brief glossary and index are appended. danielle j. ford