I wouldn’t have believed that a book about matter and energy would be read by the picture book crowd, except that my third-grade and kindergarten grandkids are studying physics at school right now. Go figure. At their age, I would have had no idea that a catapult uses a fulcrum—or even what a fulcrum was–let alone build one for a class project!
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| Eleanor’s 3rd-grade catapult (with some help from her dad). |
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| Her younger brother, Caleb, enjoyed the catapult too. |
But I digress. PUSH-PULL MORNING (Astra Books for Young Readers, 2023) written by Lisa Westberg Peters and illustrated by Serge Bloch is a fun-filled exploration of physics for young readers. And because the narrator’s new dog is the star of the show, even kids who might not gravitate to science will be won over too. After all, who can resist a book with a dog that is physics-friendly?
REVIEW
Using the unique vehicle of poetry, Lisa Westberg Peters tackles ideas that aren’t easy to explain.
Take the concept of Matter that is shown in the first poem, “Stuff in Common.” The narrator comments on the fact that although he is different than his new pet, his dog’s wet nose, floppy ears, and clicky claws are all made of
zillions of wiggly molecules and
jillions of jiggly atoms.
Me too!
My new dog and I
are made of the SAME
wiggly-jiggly stuff.
From there, the reader discovers the Phases of Matter.
A dog is the perfect way to illustrate the concept of Motion. Whether she is chasing a squirrel, running back and forth, or panting and pretending not to care about the squirrel, the “Dog in Motion” poem says it all.
Similarly, a dog clearly demonstrates the concept of Force in “Push-Pull Morning.” How? Think about how your dog pulls on her leash to go outside or to greet another dog; how your dog has to be pushed inside the vet’s office and how she pushes against your leg when she wants attention.
Clever, huh?
There are poems about inertia (picture a dog who’d rather nap than go for a walk); gravity (will a dog go down a playground slide?); magnetism (a dog contemplates how a bone can be stuck to the refrigerator door); energy, friction, and electricity.
My generous dog
gives me electrons
on cool, dry days.
She rolls around on the carpet
Her fur picks up electrons
until she is extremely negative.
Using activities that are familiar to young children and with the help of a super-smart, friendly dog, Lisa Westberg Peters brings physics into the realm of common everyday experiences.
All I can say is that I would have liked my high school Chemistry and Physics classes if I’d had this book as a youngster. I’m thankful–and a bit jealous–of my grandkids!
CURRICULUM RESOURCE
Congratulations to Emily Weitz who won The Human Body: An Alien’s Guide.
I love this book! As a writer of poems and a former teacher of middle school science, it is one of those clever books I wish I had thought of first! It should be a hit even with the middle school crowd as a supplement to fun creative writing.
Thanks, Linda. I was wondering if it could be used in middle school too. You just confirmed it!
Sounds like such a kid friendly science book. I always loved biology but physics was not my forte. This book could change a lot of minds.
What a unique book! Sounds great!
Thank you, Kim!
What a clever and creative book! I love it!
Thanks, Kathy. I hope lots of teachers find it!
This book is such a clever way to introduce physics to kids in a way they can relate to. I wish I had an elementary grade did to read it with.
Thank you, Natalie for your comment.
What a creative book! It looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Marci. Definitely one for the classroom!
Such a creative way to present the subject matter. Your review convinced me to try this out on a slightly older MG audience. Thanks for featuring the book on this week's MMGM.
Thank you for hosting me, Greg!
So glad your grandkids will get to add these to their collection. Love that there are poetry books about these topics. Perfect for April! :) Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, I hadn't thought about the poetry tie-in to April and poetry month!
I love that kids will be pulled into science with poetry. This looks really cute. I'll check it out. Thanks for the post.
Looks like a fun poetry book! I like the art :)
Yes, the art is great! Thanks for commenting.