Cool Chemistry Concoctions: 50 Formulas that Fizz, Foam, Splatter and Ooze by Joe Rhatigan & Veronika Gunter. Lark Books, 2005. 80pp. ISBN 1-57990-620-6.

SB&F review:

This book is an interesting compilation of generally traditional and well-known, simple, yet often spectacular, chemical reactions. The selected experiments produce colorful, and often startling, results intended to amaze and create interest for upper elementary and middle school age children. Written with directions which are easy to follow, the experiments require only common house hold ingredients and can be quickly performed. The experiments can easily be carried out by the students themselves. Safety concerns are paramount and directions often specify the required presence of an adult to supervise the activity. An informative and detailed explanation of what is being observed occupies each experiment. Numerous technical terms are included in italics with suitable definitions for the intended audience found in a glossary at the back. Each experiment includes an explanation, which occupies one page, and a colorful and humorous drawing. The directions and explanations are written for students in a light-hearted manner. The explanations themselves may lack scientific rigor but are sufficient and satisfactory for the intended student level. The book is entertaining and should provide many days of delightful interest and investigation for students.

About the authors:

Joe Rhatigan is the author of Geography Fun, The Kids' Guide to Nature Adventures, Out-of-this-World Astronomy, and Sure-to-Win Science Fair Projects and is the co-author of Gross Me Out and Prize-Winning Science Fair Projects for Curious Kids. Rhatigan currently works in Asheville, North Carolina, as the Children's Book editor for Lark Books.

Veronika Alice Gunter is the author of Weekend Crafter: Making Gingerbread Houses. She is an Associate Editor of Children's Books for Lark Books and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

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