  | Sound : discovering the vibrations we hear (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers) Author: Fadeeva, Ol'ga | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Do you ever wonder about sound, what is it, anyway? How do we produce and hear sound? How are sounds used to communicate? Can sounds even affect our health? Explore sound's vital role on our planet with this playful, wide-ranging tour through physics, technology, musicology, language, and more. Throughout the book, "Try It!" sections encourage children to create their own sound experiments.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (06/01/25)
School Library Journal (10/24/25)
Booklist (+) (12/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 10/24/2025 Gr 2–4—A love letter to the sense that gives us music, laughter, and bird calls, Fadeeva's book explores all facets of its namesake, sound. Featuring bright, color-blocked watercolor illustrations invoking the abstract beauty of jazz, this elementary picture book covers not only what sound is but also how we hear, record, and perceive it. Onomatopoeic words are scattered throughout the illustrations, and the wealth of knowledge presented in the text is substantial without being overwhelming. Short "Try It!" sections encourage readers' experimentation. Animal vocalizations and even underwater noises are given space, and the last half of the book is devoted to a range of musical sounds. A spread related to languages discusses both spoken words and sign language, with a blurb explaining how deaf and hard-of-hearing people can sense sound via the physical sensation of sound waves. The text wraps around the illustrations, giving a visual presentation of sound in motion; this choice may make reading more difficult for younger or low-level readers, but the effect is pleasing to the observer during a possible story time. VERDICT A fun and visually appealing all-around look at the wonders of sound, viewed through scientific, historical, and artistic lenses.—Jessica Durham - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 08/01/2025 *Starred Review* This dynamically illustrated STEAM offering goes far beyond the basic science of sound waves, bringing in kid-friendly, intriguing examples to help readers grasp the differences between various levels of pitch, frequency, and volume. There are explanations for concepts such as hertz, ultrasonic waves, and echolocation, but the majority of the book offers accessible comparisons of identifiable noises that should resonate with most (a decibel chart goes from 20 dB of leaves rustling to the 140 dB of a plane taking off). Double-page spreads filled with vivid illustrations contrast animal sounds (the loudest fish are Gulf corvina, whose mating calls are so noisy they can damage the hearing of dolphins). Human-generated sounds are compared not only by languages spoken around the world but also by time period, beginning with the prehistoric hack of a stone ax and continuing through ancient, medieval, early modern, and contemporary eras, tracing the effects of civilization and industrialization. Evolving songs and music are considered in light of musical notation, instruments and orchestras, and recording and broadcasting. There’s a map showing international animal sounds (Turkish frogs say “vrak vrak”) and an ending consideration on how sounds make us feel. All of these concepts are effectively reinforced by bold, busy, attention-getting graphics. Occasional experiments and activities (but no references) round things out. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
