Volcanoes are one of nature's great wonders. For years they can stand dormant, but once active they can erupt in tremendous explosions of power. Some eruptions are so big, they change the earth's climate. Luckily, geologists can now approximate when an eruption will occur. What are the causes of an eruption and what are the warning signs? Read and find out! Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 3 4 Lloyd's colorful new graphics update Branley's 1985 text (HarperCollins), which includes accounts of a few historic eruptions (Mounts Vesuvius, Tambora, St. Helens, and Parícutin) and explains how and why volcanoes form. Plate tectonics as well as scientists' study of and efforts to predict eruptions are also covered. A list of volcano facts appears, but it is frustrating in that the three types of volcanoes are named but not described. Instructions for an activity (plural on the cover) that involves making a baking soda and vinegar volcano are also appended. The new illustrations excel at depicting ideas presented in the text and include scenes of destruction, including buried cars, cities in ruins, and collapsed bridges. Overall, this work remains a sound, basic introduction to the topic, especially useful where the original is showing its age. Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

First published in 1985, Volcanoes is a familiar standby from the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series. Although there are only minor changes to the main text, this edition features completely new pictures, a page of "Volcano Facts," and instructions for simulating an eruption using the old baking-soda-and-vinegar model method. The colorful paintings vary in style from idyllic scenes to cross-sections of  Earth's crust to spattered-paint effects suggestive of erupting lava. Some librarians may miss the more restrained Marc Simont illustrations, but children will be drawn to the dramatic artwork in the new edition. Phelan, Carolyn. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.