Vivi Loves Science

June 1, 2021
Fans of the series that began with CeCe Loves Science (2018) will enjoy this beach-themed exploration. Vivi, a girl with light-brown skin and big, curly, brown pigtails, loves to study nature, particularly the ocean. She's especially excited when her science class takes a field trip to the beach. Her lab partner, Graeme, a Black-presenting boy, creates a wish list for them: finding seashells, hunting crabs, looking for eels, and seeing a dolphin. Their teacher, Ms. Cousteau, a brown-skinned woman with dark brown locs, leads off the adventure with a lesson on tide pools. The brightly colored images rival those of Dreamworks or Disney in cuteness and charm while also providing information. When Ms. Cousteau teaches the students about different kinds of sharks, the illustrations provide a visual contrasting the bigger and smaller species she describes. As Ms. Cousteau guides the students in creating aquascopes, her instructions are accompanied by an illustrated guide for young readers to create their own, complete with a list of materials and instructions. Equipped with a checklist, Vivi and Graeme enthusiastically explore, best practices for safe (for both humans and wildlife) beachcombing effortlessly folded into the narrative. Backmatter includes a glossary of science facts and instructions on how to create temporary tide pools. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A nifty way to help young learners see the beach through the lens of science. (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 27, 2023

Gr 2-4-Vivi and Graeme are dismayed when they see the mess on the beach after a big rainstorm: bottles, cans, and debris are everywhere. The storm winds have blown away the tide pools and sand dunes, changing the shape of the beach. Their science teacher Ms. Cousteau and Beach Ranger Earle, who join them in the progress of cleaning, explain to Vivi and Graeme the power of wind and rain to cause erosion. The next day in science class, Vivi and Graeme demonstrate what they've learned in two experiments that show the power of natural forces to move sand. Later, while sitting on their restored beach, Vivi and Graeme agree that erosion and science are important. "Without erosion," says Graeme, "we wouldn't have the beach." Vivi adds, "Without science, we wouldn't know how things work. Science is the best!" Vivi is vivacious, radiating enthusiasm and excitement for the natural world. Her parents, Graeme, Ms. Cousteau, and Beach Ranger Earle are believable characters who support Vivi's growing curiosity. The experiments that Vivi and Graeme perform are replicated in detail in the final pages of each book. Children can do these easy experiments in school or at home with little need for supervision. There is also a glossary. The size 14 font complements the large illustrations drawn in pastel shades. VERDICT Pair this with nonfiction books for the same reading and comprehension level, including EagleCloud's Future Scientist: Awesome Science Experiments for Kids.-Monica Fleche

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