Color phot. In Simon's cogent examinations, subjects discussed include the causes of earthquakes, how faults are formed, and the kinds of damage that can result. Suggestions of what to do if caught in an earthquake conclude an informative survey. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr. 3-5. How often do earthquakes occur? About a million times a year--an average of two a minute! This astonishing fact is only one of many that a veteran science writer shares in his latest book. Formatted like Simon's other exemplary science books (Volcano [BKL S 1 88], Icebergs and Glaciers [BKL Mr 1 87]), this makes a lasting impression with its combination of direct text and sharp color photos and drawings. Simon discusses the seismic sites--the Pacific Ring of Fire, which includes California, is the location of 80 percent of all earthquakes--and the causes of quakes. He draws powerful examples from history (including the 1988 Armenian and the 1989 San Francisco quakes), documenting their consequences--including tsunamis. Descriptions of both the Richter scale and the Mercali intensity scale help readers understand earthquakes, while also making them aware that scientists still have much to learn about quakes. On many pages, white type appears on a deep blue background, an effective visual technique. A map of the earthquake zones in the U.S. will startle many youngsters who think California is the only major earthquake zone in our country. Although an index would have been helpful, this informational treasure will draw science enthusiasts and browsers alike. ~--Deborah Abbott

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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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)