Burn
Michael Faraday's Candle
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
WHAT MAKES A CANDLE BURN?
Solid wax is somehow changed into light and heat. But how? Travel back in time to December 28, 1848 in London, England to one of the most famous juvenile science Christmas lectures at the Royal Institution. British scientist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) encouraged kids to carefully observe a candle and to try to figure out how it burned. Since Faraday’s lecture, “The Chemical History of a Candle,” was published in 1861, it’s never been out of print. Faraday originally gave seven lectures on how a candle burns. Pattison has adapted the first 6000-word lecture to about 650 words for modern elementary students. Known as one of the best science experimenters ever, Faraday’s passion was always to answer the basic questions of science: “What is the cause? Why does it occur?”
REVIEWS:
"Delightful," say science educators
"With this delightful book, Darcy Pattison brings one of Michael Faraday’s famous scientific lectures for children to a whole new generation of young learners. Peter Willis’ colorful artwork illustrates Faraday’s own explanations in a scientific, yet kid-friendly style. This book is a wonderful way to introduce children to this extraordinary scientist and to teach them about changes in matter with a familiar, yet remarkable, object – a candle."
- Karen Ansberry and Emily Morgan, Authors of Picture-Perfect Science Lessons
"Good, simple explanation of a complex chemical process. Great enrichment possibilities for teachers. I loved the illustrations, the science, and the British tone. Overall, thumbs up!"
Deb Thrall, President, New Mexico Science Teacher's Association
AUTHOR: Darcy Pattison
Pattison is the author of Abayomi, the Brazilian Puma: The True Story of an Orphaned Cub, which was named a 2015 National Science Teacher’s Association Outstanding Science Trade Book. Desert Baths was named a 2013 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book. For more, see darcypattison.com/book.
ILLUSTRATOR: Peter Willis
With over 20 years’ experience in illustration and design, illustrator Peter Willis continues to be as enthusiastic and passionate about his work as ever. His illustrations have palpable character, bringing them to life through his craft and quirky approach. He lives in North East England with his wife and daughter. This is his debut picture book. Peter Willis brings humor to the story, but he also manages to convey accurate information about matter and its physical properties.
Customer Reviews
Interesting, Informative, and Entertaining
Burn: Michael Faraday’s Candle is a very interesting, but easy to read book. Is it a children’s book or a historical non-fiction book? It’s a bit of both. Burn: Michael Faraday’s Candle is informative, but entertaining. I believe it will encourage children to try a candle experiment (with the supervision of an adult, of course).
In 1848, Michael Faraday presented the Chemical History of a Candle to children and their families at the Christmas Lecture at the Royal Institution in London, England. He described how the four different candles were made from different wax. “What is the cause? Why does it occur?” were his favorite expressions. He answers the question: if there is a fire at the top of a wick, why doesn’t the fire continue all the way down to the bottom of a wick? You’ll have to read the book to find out the answer.
The last page is a brief biography of Michael Faraday’s life as a British scientist and educator.
Author Darcy Pattison does an excellent job of condensing a long, boring scientific report into an entertaining and engaging story. She sets the stage with a good description of the event, the attendees, and the building. Her narrative is accurate and it’s obvious that she has researched the time period.
It’s amusing to see pieces of newspaper carefully weaved into an illustration. It’s as if shapes were cut out of newspapers and then painted over top. Illustrator Peter Willis does a wonderful job of portraying 1848 England with his choice of clothing and buildings. A good use of tones painted over simple shapes.
I recommend this thought-provoking, educational, but engaging book.
Barbara, Hamilton, Canada