Earthquakes

From Publishers Weekly
With the increasing coverage of earthquakes worldwide, readers' interest should be piqued for this lucid introduction. Veteran photo-essayist Simon has produced another characteristically concise and involving precis. Facts abound, concerning such topics as the Pacific Ring of Fire; faults, especially the San Andreas; strike- and dip-slips; seismographs; the Richter and Mercali Intensity Scales; sand boils; and more. As in all of Simon's work, the high-quality photos and the book's spacious, accessible design enhance and extend the clarity of his exposition. Simon's compelling glimpses of these mighty geological phenomena will give readers a new understanding of and appreciation for the awesome forces of nature. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-- A look at the dynamics of quakes, early detection systems, and measures taken by architects and city planners to lessen dangers after an earthquake occurs. Branley's explanations are in terms that children will easily understand, and the information is compressed into child-size bites, especially when describing earthquake motions. Branley may be too concise, however, when he fails to state the connection between seismic waves and readings on the Richter scale. Only an adult will be able to deduce what is only implied in the text rather than spelled out. A readable book with brightly colored illustrations that are serviceable but not particularly inspired. --Gloria Amann, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
Another good Simon book about our natural and unnatural landscape. The Simon style--impressive photos, lucid text--works well here, clearly showing how shifting tectonic plates can play havoc with manmade structures. Maps show where, drawings show how, and vivid color photos lend dramatic reality. Simon concludes with advice on what to do in a quake, plus a comforting note: the chances of being hurt are slight. (Nonfiction. 7-12) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


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Gr 4-6-- A visually outstanding book with large, high-quality, full-color photographs depicting earthquake damage on every page. The diagrams are simple and exceptionally clear. Adding variety are deep blue pages with the text in white print. Simplified, yet accurate, nontechnical language is used to describe the geologic processes that cause earthquakes, their impact on people, and some devastating historic events. Recommendations for avoiding injury are mentioned, but the statement that ``The chances of your being hurt in a quake are very, very slight'' may not be very reassuring considering the nature of the photographs and statistics. For beginners, all the basic facts are here in easily understood terms and pictures. Radlauer's Earthquakes (Childrens, 1987) uses many scientific terms and is for older readers. Earthquakes (Childrens, 1982) by Challand is not as current or of equal quality. Branley's Earthquakes (Crowell, 1990) is comparable, but its smaller format and color drawings do not have the same aesthetic appeal. --Meryl Silverstein, American Museum of Natural History, New York City


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