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November 01, 2012 Columns » The Librarian Likes

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Book Review: Just a Second: A Different Way to Look at Time by Steve Jenkins 

Librarian: Sarah Allerton, children's librarian, St. Albans Free Library

Book: Just a Second: A Different Way to Look at Time by Steve Jenkins

Age range: 4 and up

Allerton's summary: In this stunning, nonfiction picture book, Just a Second, Steve Jenkins explores time in a way that's radically different from clockwatching. He uses dramatic examples of what takes place in an hour, a day or a year to make mind-boggling comparisons that demonstrate just how much — or how little — happens as time passes. For example, a midge beats its wings a thousand times in a second, while a sprinting cheetah travels 100 feet. A baby blue whale gains 10 pounds an hour. In two billion years, the Earth's oceans will have boiled away. Jenkins weaves together math, science and natural-history lessons while artfully explaining how people have experienced and measured the passage of time throughout history.

Who will like it: The picture-book format will appeal to preschoolers, but even older kids and adults will enjoy Just a Second. It's a thought-provoking choice for the kitchen table or the classroom, a jumping-off point for discussions and projects.

"The Librarian Likes" features a different librarian and book each month. Got an idea for a future LL? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
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