Adrian Dingle (1)

This is an incredibly fun and informative way to teach kids (and adults) about chemistry. It includes narrative, lots of vivid illustrations, and experiments to demonstrate how all things are made from just 92 chemical elements.

Each two-page spread has a clever title, like “I’m Gonna Make You A Star” and “Dish the Dirt on Soap.” On the latter page, you learn what soap is made of, what scum means (a way to talk about hard water), and how to make elephant toothpaste!

You’ll also show more find out about why the fizz in soda is worse for your teeth than sugar, how fireworks are made in different colors, how tall buildings stand up, and why salt helps make ice cream. (And yes, one of the learning experiments is a recipe for ice cream!)

At the end of the book, there is a glossary (“Cool Words”) and a list of resources, including websites, for further study. It also includes an awesome periodic table poster on the inside of the book jacket.

Evaluation: I can’t recommend this one highly enough. It’s guaranteed to keep children entertained and fascinated. I should add that I happen to have some children in my life who covet this book, but I love it too much to give it up. I do, however, share the experiments with them. Guess I’ll have to buy them their own for Christmas.... show less

Dingles's book is new slant on the periodic table. The most common and readily recognizable elements are presented in pokemon like fashion and given almost superhero status. They present themselves with machismo. They present themselves in first person, relaying their reactivity, rarity, and common uses. Their chemical and physical properties are translated to personality traits. For example, the alkali metal are a presented as short fused troublemakers due to their reactivity. Hydrogen is show more presented as a ghostly mystery all by its lonesome, revealing its troubled past and possible future. Beyond this, the elements color, atomic properties, standard state, etc. are presented at the top of each entry. All the common groups are presented, but the Lathanides and Actinides only get short shrift. Of these, only Uranium and Plutonium are mentioned.

I do appreciate the book's presentation. It's certainly a somewhat more interesting exposition than my introduction to periodic properties. This consisted of examining enthalpies of hydrolysis, redox states, and so on. However, I think the exposition could have been taken even further. Many of metal elements mention they are a source of electrons -- why not present them as sarcastic fountains of negativity. I've certainly met a few people with a personality along those lines. Come to think of it, I might qualify for it. In the end, the book provides something clever and new. I think it would be a more gentle and exciting introduction to the most commonly encountered elements for early adolescents. show less

This book has a rare mix of science and art, something I think children will love. It describes every element of the periodic table by giving not only the scientific facts, but addding a personality and a cute illustration to each one. This book is a great way to introduce students to the periodic table without totally boring them to death. Also, by giving each element a character to go with it, I think students will be more likely to remember the names and what the element does.

A fun summary and introduction to the elements of the periodic table. Features of almost all elements are defined by personality, strengths, weaknesses, color and other interesting facts. Each element is illustrated in a cartoony style that’s part Pokemon, part Hello Kitty. Definitely an unstuffy way to introduce the periodic table.