Franklyn M. Branley (1915–2002)

As mentioned in my review of Seymour Simon's Gorillas, my children's book reading is mostly in the realm of fiction, so Janet Hamilton's recent Horn Book article (What Makes a Good Science Book?) had me whipping out pencil and paper, and taking note. Franklyn M. Branley's Gravity Is a Mystery, originally published in 1970, and part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, was one of the first titles she discussed.

An informative introduction to the idea of gravity for young children, show more this picture-book does not offer a specific definition, because - as the title would suggest - "gravity is a mystery." Instead, it takes a question any young child might ask - "What would happen if you dug a hole through the earth, and fell into it?" - and expands outward from there, discussing the effects of gravity, both planetary and celestial. This approach allows for a clear and concise discussion of what we do know, while also emphasizing that there is much that we don't: we know what gravity does, we just don't know what it is.

I liked this approach, which really makes science seem exciting, with new discoveries to be made, new knowledge to be gained. Republished in 2007, with colorful new illustrations by Edward Miller, Gravity Is a Mystery is a fun book, both visually appealing and intellectually stimulating. If I were a primary-school science teacher trying to explain this concept, this is the book to which I would turn! show less

I like reading children's nonfiction books because young children are so eager to learn. This book is a good example to use when teaching about snow. It includes such information as what a snowflake looks like, why snow is useful, and what children can do to enjoy a snowfall. It's especially fun if there is actually snow falling or on the ground when you read this book. The day I read it to my three-year-old grandson, we crafted our own paper snowflakes.

This book is good for a preschooler show more as it is relatively short, but packed with things to know. The artwork is very sweet. I especially love all the animals, pictured cozy and warm in the earth beneath the snow. I even learned something from this book--that the temperature in the snow is warmer than the temperature of snow sitting on a tree! show less

We live in an aerial ocean, and this is a very well done attempt to describe it to young children. We learn that air is everywhere in our world, even in water, and it's there even though you can't see it or smell it. But it's not in outer space. The book includes two simple experiments to try.

This is one of the older Let's-Read-And-Find-Out science books by the founding author. We recently checked out from our library several stage 1 books from this series, with mixed results for our show more 4-yr-old. In general it seemed she wasn't quite old enough. But this one, with the long drawn-out descriptions of the experiments, was somehow perfect and the most successful of the bunch. My daughter constantly tells me how air is all around us. She is fascinated. And, I've only read it to her twice. show less

Oh what a delight this book is! It contains the sounds, the pretty pictures and the small pieces of information peppered here and there that makes the subject of Rain come alive and endear to the readers. The author has successfully delivered scientific information in a very colorful, simple and interesting manner. Another commendable aspect of the book is the ethnic tolerance that the author has portrayed in the book by the creation of four children of varying racial descent –redhead, show more curly dark brown, blonde and Asian black. That’s a fantastic example to set for the children! The illustrations are vivid, colourful and depict fun activities through which kids can learn about the topic! Word Art has been employed to emphasize on certain words, like while explaining gloomy appearance of stormy clouds, the word “Darkened” has been made black in bold. Such visual stimulation will boost a child’s mind. The book is a very helpful, beginner’s learning manual for kids till the age of 9. The experiments described can also be executed in a classroom environment .I would strongly recommend the book. show less