Solid, Liquid, Gassy (Fairy Science #2)

Included in the back of the book is an experiment about the water cycle that uses everyday household items, creating an interactive experience beyond the book. A solid choice for both story times and STEM curricula.

Esther is a fairy who believes in science, not magic: "While the other fairies wish on stars, Esther conducts experiments." The sprites have little patience for "her silly logical theories," but when their pond disappears, Esther leads the way, using the scientific method to discover why. The skeptical fairies dismiss the science but appreciate the clever costumes Esther and her pals don to illustrate the water cycle's stages--solid, liquid, and "gassy." Fairy chatter, gross-out humor (references to pee and sparkling snot), and star sign jokes ("I'm a Pisces, so I understand water") play off Spires's accessible explanations of the scientific method and water cycle, but the premise feels forced--a STEM agenda dropped into fairyland. Twee digital illustrations depict a multicultural array of fairies fluttering in stylized woodlands. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Esther the fairy is rather unusual; unlike the other fairies, she does not believe in magic! Instead, she and her friends Fig and Clover prefer to examine the world using the scientific method. Their latest experiment involves discovering what happens to ice when it gets warm. Together, they make observations, conduct research, ask questions, develop hypotheses, and test to find the answers. When the nearby pond unexpectedly disappears, it prompts Esther and her friends to apply their scientific approach to a real-world experience. They extend their initial experiment and learn more about how temperature affects water. Even though the explanation is not as magical as the other fairies would prefer, Esther and her friends do their best to make reality fun. A delightful blend of fact and fiction, this book helps bridge the gap between magic and science for young readers. Straightforward text guides the story, while feelings and emotions appear in accompanying speech bubbles. This combined presentation makes the story accessible to a range of readers. Fairy-like hues of turquoise, purple, red, and green dominate each page, enlivening the many visual elements in every illustration. The complexity of the book's visuals makes it ideally suited to up-close examination. At the end of the book, readers are guided through a related science experiment they can try on their own, bringing Esther's story to life. VERDICT This is an enjoyable addition to lower elementary school library and classroom science collections.—Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.