A review by tashrow
Volcano Rising by Elizabeth Rusch

4.0

Volcanoes can seem destructive, but in this nonfiction picture book they are shown to be sources of creation as well. The process of eruption and magma is described and the book looks at the fact that different volcanoes move at different speeds. The book is written in two levels, one for more of a picture book audience and the other for elementary students ready for detailed information. While the simpler part stays general, the more detailed information includes specific volcanoes and stories of their eruptions. The book makes volcanoes interesting rather than frightening, looking at how ash restores fields and how most creative eruptions can be out-walked by people.

Rusch’s two levels of text really stand apart from one another. The simpler version really reads as a playful picture book complete with sounds. It does still offer facts and information, but the deeper text is filled with those. That longer text loses the playfulness of the shorter but is a wealth of information on volcanoes that even young enthusiasts will find fascinating.

Swan’s illustrations are done in cut paper and have a vivid color that really makes the volcanoes pop. She shows various volcanoes in her art, contrasting them with one another nicely. It is the images of eruptions that really explode on the page and will delight readers.

A double-layered book that can be shared in a storytime or in a science classroom. Appropriate for ages 3-8.