Editorial Review

With exciting photos of erupting volcanoes and rivers of lava, this entry in the Legendary Landforms series introduces young readers to some basic facts about the topic. The text covers types of volcanoes, how they form, eruptions, dormancy, earth’s layers, and the “ring of fire,” as well as offering a rudimentary explanation of plate tectonics. Though many photos of volcanoes are included, they’re rarely labeled with a name or location, which is a bit of a drawback. While this certainly doesn’t break new ground—the “Try This” activity in the back matter is a classic baking-soda-and-vinegar volcano—the dynamic images and lively tone are still quite engaging, and the concepts are introduced in a clear, accessible way. This slim volume on a high-interest topic could serve as a launchpad for further research.
— Sarah Hunter