Ryan Kaji

When I picked this one up, my own (early teen) kids groaned, but they knew Ryan's World...which is more than I did (Yes, I'll admit that).

This is the second book to come out, which shoots off from the Ryan's World on Youtube. I have not read the first one, but that is necessary since this one is all about experiments. Children ages four to six are the target of this one, and the text does fit well to first/learning readers. The fond is very large, making it easy to read, and there is only a sentence or two on each page, while the science behind the experiments is being explained. The experiments themselves will need an adult's help, but these are still ones kids can do on their own (when everything is explained and prepared for them.)

There are several things I enjoyed about this one. Firstly, the theories behind the experiments are just at the level for a quick explanation, which is easy for the age group to understand. And this is written more from Ryan's point of view, which gives it a personal touch. The entire thing is accompanied with bright yet simple illustrations, with Ryan present in each one. These do help to support the explanations. Lastly, the experiments are simple but still fun ones that I've done with my own kids in the past...and they enjoyed. While an adult will have to help the child 'read' through the directions and get the items together, it's nothing difficult. The items are pretty much usual, every day things found in many households...and if not, they aren't hard to obtain. One takes a little time, but it's a great way to fill up some hours with something valuable during summer break.

The only small criticism I have is that there are only three experiments, and while this guarantees boredom stays away, it also doesn't provide as much entertainment/learning possibilities as it could. A couple more would have made it perfect.

Still, this is a well done little book, which teaches a few valuable science facts along the way. It's definitely geared to the intended age group and, if nothing else, provides fun activities. I received an ARC and am giving it 4.5 stars due to shortness and rounding up to 5.… (meer)