Editorial Review
Booklist Starred Review: Marble Caves of Patagonia
Grab your kayak and start paddling. The marble caves in Chile’s Capillas de Mármol (a nature sanctuary) await, but they can be accessed only by boat. Readers make their way across the turquoise glacial waters of General Carrera Lake, where they are met by the caves’ gorgeous swirls of blue.
Three chapters break down the cave’s location, formation, and accessibility, striking a wonderful balance between expressing wonder and delivering information. While nothing groundbreaking is at work here, it absolutely nails the brief of an elementary science reader.
Beautiful, relevant photos fill the bulk of the pages and sport simple, easy-to-read labels, and short blocks of text pop against colorful backgrounds and utilize scientifically precise language without becoming overly sophisticated. Geologic processes are visually elucidated with a well-designed diagram (plate tectonics) and infographic (cave formation).
Maps, quick facts, and reader-directed questions also help students engage with the material in a meaningful way. An excellent resource from the Natural Wonders series (6 titles).—Julia Smith