I Get Sunburned

April 1, 2015

Gr 1-3-Addressing the many questions that curious kids ask, this series offers age-appropriate explanations without veering on the didactic. Each book begins with a fictional scene that drives the narrative, setting up a central question and allowing an "expert" (a park ranger, a character's parent), who is also part of the story, to share useful knowledge with both the information-seeker and the audience. Readers will easily relate to these possible real-world situations. Eye-catching color photos coupled with thought-provoking sidebars encourage kids to think critically, ask questions, and make educated guesses based on what they've learned. VERDICT A smart and incredibly appealing series.

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2015
Grades 2-4 Each book in the Tell Me Why series addresses a scientific issue that kids may encounter in their daily lives. Although the books do a good job explaining factual topics, the information is set within a frame of narrative fiction that is not always convincing. Each book has its own strengths and weaknesses. I Get Sunburned appropriately offers more explanation than prescription, but the complete omission of the danger of skin cancer seems misleading. The stock photos are not exciting, but they are paired with useful captions. The Make a Guess!, Look!, and Ask Questions! features encourage readers to participate more fully in the spirit of scientific inquiry. The Think about It feature at the end of each book presents another relatable topic or situation for readers to ponder.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)