Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small (Spectacular Science)

Gr 1-4--Using clear, down-to-earth language, a friendly writing style, and a touch of humor, this book explains the nature of nanoscience--the study of very, very small materials. The explanations are perfect for young readers. They begin with what children know ("Look around your home. Everything is made out of something") and then proceed to introduce words readers need to know such as atom, molecule, graphite, grapheme, and nanomaterial. The author doesn't hesitate to speak directly to the reader. After explaining that everything on Earth is made from atoms, she writes, "Stop: read that last sentence again. It's a gigantic idea to get your head around, but it's too important to skip over." The written content is presented using engaging and effective examples that are well-supported by the illustrations. A discussion of how nanoscience is a work in progress discusses how graphene, a material made from a single layer of graphite, is already being used to make lighter airplanes that require less fuel and emit less pollution and windowpanes that wash themselves using only sunlight. The illustrations show "Before" and "After" pictures of both planes and windows. Throughout the book, readers are also told about the nature of science--how discoveries are often preceded by years of failure, that exciting discoveries are yet to come, and that these discoveries might even be made by the reader. VERDICT An excellent book for getting young children interested in science, this supports classroom studies of matter, the work of scientists, and the possibilities of future discoveries.--Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Everything is made out of something," British physicist Wade's picture book debut notes on the first page, instigating an exploration of the world's building blocks. A conversational narrative moves swiftly from macroscopic materials including wood and glass to microscopic atoms and nanomaterials, while finely hatched illustrations by Castrillón (The Balcony) sweep readers into this nanoscience primer. A child in a skirt and yellow boots playfully interacts with each spread, sometimes shrunken and perched on a single atom or microscope stage, observing, other times presenting a simple graphic. More fanciful touches, such as the child's blue hair or an elephant walking a tightrope of graphene ("the strongest material known to human beings"), cultivate a playful tone. Organic, and often lush botanic, motifs rendered in pencil, in a muted primary color palette rendered digitally, link the spreads, turning adding a layer of enticement to this accessible read. After discussing a few hopeful applications for nanomaterials--for example, a nano chip that could help restore eyesight--and giving a nod to ongoing global collaboration, this homage to the "very (very) small" concludes with more details about the who, how, and why of nanomaterials and a brief index. Ages 6-9. (Sept.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Castrillón's whimsical art is intriguingly paired with the subject matter, incorporating both the explanatory and speculative, using fine lines that seem delicate but are also robust—light but muscular, just like the materials Wade describes. . . . A marvelous spark for the imagination and motivation to learn more.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Exceptionally well-organized and smoothly narrated. . . Wade proceeds from familiar around-the-house scale, down to the molecular level, and then to the mind-bending ultrathin molecular level of nanomaterials, all in terms elementary schoolers can understand. . . a treasure of a group read for teachers and students with minds wide open.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

An excellent book for getting young children interested in science, this supports classroom studies of matter, the work of scientists, and the possibilities of future discoveries.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Playful. . . Organic, and often lush botanic, motifs rendered in pencil, in a muted primary color palette rendered digitally, link the spreads, adding a layer of enticement to this accessible read.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Wade, a physicist, breaks the topic down into delightful morsels, introducing young readers to the wonders of nanoscience. . . . Castrillón's intricate illustrations are vibrant and inviting, equally adept at capturing whimsical landscapes and detailed scientific explanations. An appealing and enlightening introduction to the small parts of a big universe.
—Booklist

Wade presents her material with an appealing rhythm, and Castrillon has created whimsical images that match the hopeful spirit of the text.
—The Washington Post

Wade has a passion and reverence for the subject matter that shines. And she never speaks down to children, reminding them in the end that it might just be "YOU," the reader, who unlocks more secrets of nanotechnology.
—Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast