Burn

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.