Why Do Elephants Need the Sun?

Plot Summary

There are trillions of stars in the universe, but we rely on our sun to provide (or contribute to) most of what we need to survive and thrive: heat, light, plants, animals, wind, and water. Complete with fun, cartoon illustrations, Robert Wells's new book gives kids plenty of information about our sun in an easy-to-read and digest format. By focusing on the needs of an elephant, Wells makes clear just how important the sun is to life on Earth.

Awards

Top 10 Sci-Tech Books for Youth 2010, Booklist

Reviews

"In Wells’s latest exploration of the natural world, he makes his complicated topic appealing with ink-and-acrylic illustrations showing both elephants and baboons among plants and trees, looking sadly at a dried-up water hole, cavorting in the rain, standing on a seesaw, even investigating a wind turbine....this is an easy, solid introduction." Kirkus Reviews

*"Wells’ picture books have been all about expanding young children’s horizons. His new book, on the sun, provides an approachable introduction to the subject while laying the groundwork for understanding topics (gravity, nuclear fusion) that students will tackle in later years....This title offers an appealing introduction to the sun, as well as a solid stepping-stone toward scientific literacy." starred review Booklist

"[A]n appealing, easy-to-understand format. Pen and acrylic cartoon illustrations and simple diagrams strongly support and enhance the text. Information is factual and up-to-date....Wells has found a unique way to teach some otherwise difficult concepts....Overall, this is an excellent resource for budding young scientists." School Library Journal

"Kid-friendly and fun, this new science book would be a nice addition to your natural science collection. Wells uses brightly colored illustrations and bold quirky fnts to share insight into the processes of photosynthesis and the water cycle...Wells does a fantastic job at illustrating how things in nature are interconnected and how things depend on one another for survival."
Library Media Connection

Associated Keywords
science, gravity, earth, environment