Ray: How Light Works

Gr 2-4–After a prologue explains that light is energy, Ray, an anthropomorphic beam of light, guides readers on a fast-paced overview of light and its importance to life on Earth. Ray begins his journey from the Sun, speeding through space with other sunbeams “ready to spread their energy wherever they land.” An eye-catching white ball with sparkling beams of light, Ray keeps up a breezy patter: “We are space explorers” and “I’m ready to work!” At Earth’s atmosphere, Ray is joined by pals Puff and Drop as he brings light, heat, and energy everywhere he goes. Engaging and readable, the factual presentation is superficial but supplemented by cartoony digital illustrations. An epilogue sums up the power of light, offering examples of how sunlight transforms into other forms of energy including heat, motion, food, and life. Both the prologue and epilogue add facts but seem directed at older readers, and the overall effect lacks focus.