I've long been an advocate of STEAM education and books like this, which stimulate kids' natural interest in science and nature can be a fun and useful part of focusing that interest. Earth science is cool and this book provides an accessible and factual introduction to the water cycle as well as some other geo-science including the different types of clouds, some basic weather systems and beginning conservation ideas.
Each of the pages is full of colorful graphics with sidebars including some photographs along with explanatory text. There are short labs with exercises using safe and easily sourced materials to illustrate the theory. The DIY sections are short and do a good job of showing how fun and interesting science can be.
The geo detective narrators, Ava and George, are appealing and friendly. I liked the inclusiveness of having both girl and boy, as well as that Ava is a person of color. It's a subtle little bonus in a book that's scientifically and factually correct. The book includes a question quiz at the end as well as a glossary, links list for further reading, and some notes for resource people (primarily aimed at parents and teachers).
This would make a superlative school or home library book as well as a good support text for geo-science core units in a classroom setting.
Five stars, very well done.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
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