Karen S. (BoysMom) - My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun and clever techno-magical interpretation of elements of the Periodic Table.
The latest book in author Sybrina Durant's Metal Horn Unicorns series, Magical Elements of The Periodic Table, focuses on introducing budding young scientists to the mysteries of the renowned Periodic Table by pairing an alphabetical assortment of 26 elements with the magical unicorn of the Metal Horn Tribe that carries a horn made of the specific element. This unique approach, with its whimsical illustrations and treasure trove of interesting facts about each featured element, is sure to attract the attention and engage the imagination of tweens and middle-graders who may have not yet been exposed to the subject in such an easy-to-read and understand format. With its up-to-date facts, even adults will discover something they didn't know.
Each page features information about a single element on the Periodic Table, selected to represent a letter of the alphabet. The facts about each element are detailed and interesting. Additional elements occasionally make a cameo appearance at the top of a page, where the name of the highlighted unicorn is spelled out using the elements' letter symbols.The illustrations are hands-down amazing! Intricate details can be found on every page. Be sure to look at the frames that border each page and the smaller ones that highlight each unicorn's special information. The artist has taken special care to personalize the artwork to match what is presented on the page. My favorites include the bordering frame for nickel and smaller frames surrounding Fleure and Vana, but all are great! Also, check out the subtle difference in Unicorn Wolfie's appearance! (Look at his muzzle.)
With its colorful illustrations and fascinating supporting facts, I recommend MAGICAL ELEMENTS OF THE PERIODIC TABLE to upper-elementary and middle-grade readers interested in the sciences.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.
