A photographic exploration into the beauty and magic of light from the creator of the bestselling A Drop of Water and the Can You See What I See? series. The wonder of light has fascinated readers for ages. Walter Wick's mesmerizing photographs paired with simple yet fascinating text and scientific observations help readers understand the secrets and complexity of light. You will learn what light is made of and how it fits alongside everything else in the world. Walter introduces readers into the mystery behind incandescence, light waves, the color spectrum, and iridescence as well as how we perceive light in our world and beyond. Walter Wick demonstrates that science and art both offer ways to observe the world around us. A Ray of Light is perfect for the STEM curriculum as it incorporates the early disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Gr 2-7-Large eye-catching photos are the star of the show in this exploration of light. In addition to examining basic topics such as light waves, the sun, color spectrum, reflection, and refraction, Wick also tackles iridescence, pigments, and other concepts not often covered in introductory books for children. Photos illustrate how lenses work in a camera, telescope, and magnifying glass, and show a prism refracting light or close-up views of iridescent insects and feathers. Much of the text serves as expanded captions for the photos. Some smaller images are harder to see, such as the tiny beam of light split into colors after passing through a water-filled box. The text refers to the processes and experiments behind the photos, and Wick provides more extensive instructions and explanations in two pages following the main text. Although upper elementary students may be able to do some activities with adult help or supervision, younger students will probably remain observers of teacher or parent demonstrations. Without a glossary, index, or list of additional sources, Wick's title may serve best as a starting point to encourage explorations using hands-on activities found elsewhere. VERDICT Libraries with strong STEM collections should consider Wick's visual introduction to an intriguing subject.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankatoα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. * "The text examines incandescence, iridescence, refraction, the relationship between light waves and colors, pigments, magnification, heat, fire, and the sun -- always clearly and in concert with spellbinding photographs . . . A love story to light and color, both educational and visually stunning." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review * "Most science books offer illustrations, but few manage to consistently feature such precision when capturing the exact moment when energy becomes light, or employ such eloquence in explaining concepts through select, well-chosen words and pictures." -- Booklist , starred review* "Large eye-catching photos are the star of the show in this exploration of light . . . Libraries with strong STEM collections should consider Wick's visual introduction to an intriguing subject." -- School Library Journal , starred review"The gorgeous images of phenomena, in carefully staged everyday contexts, amaze us even as they prompt reflections on the underlying science." -- The Horn Book "The colored photographs are crisp and detailed, adding another layer of richness to the information presented . . . This is a visually appealing book to initiate the reader's exploration into the world of light." -- School Library Connection "With clear text and arresting, informative photographs, Walter Wick introduces children to an illuminated realm of 'science and wonder' . . . It's beautiful stuff." -- The Wall Street Journal Praise for A Drop of Water : ALA Notable Children's Book, 1998.Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 Award, 1998.Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (Nonfiction), 1997"Something as simple as a drop of water hardly seems the stuff of extraordinary science. Yet exceptional photography from Wick shows fundamental science experiments in a fresh light." -- Kirkus Reviews Walter Wick is the photographer of the international bestselling I Spy series as well as the author and photographer of the acclaimed Can You See What I See? series. He lives with his wife, Linda, in Miami, Florida.