Have you ever noticed that young readers sometimes have this morbid fascination with disasters? The number of children I have known who have been obsessed with things like the Titanic or hurricanes and even volcanos is so interesting. I guess it has something to do with animal instincts and learning about our fears in a safe space. Readers are lucky to be able to learn all about volcanic eruptions in Jessica Kulekjian’s new book, KABOOM! Illustrated by Zoe Si.

A volcano, quiet and sleepy, begins to wake up and readers follow along with it’s progress thanks to a helpful little red bird.

Jessica Kulekjian has crafted an exciting expository literature non fiction title that can grow with readers. On its surface, it's a cute and simple story about a volcano erupting. Simple language that doesn’t get into the deep science behind the volcano which is perfect for your preschool and kindergarten crowd. For older readers, they can enjoy the little red bird’s descriptions of the actual science behind the volcanic eruption. The little red bird shares the vocabulary and the mechanics behind the eruption allowing the book to grow with the readers.

The back matter of this book is phenomenal. Readers are able to learn all about the phases, the anatomy and the types of volcanoes through easy to understand information and excellent diagrams. Once again, as readers age, they can continue their fascination with volcanoes by visiting some of the selected sources included by the author.

Zoe Si’s illustrations are fantastic. Inspired by Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, the illustrations are bright and lush and fill each two page spread. Readers will be instantly drawn to the friendly and intense volcano on the book jacket and will be delighted by the surprise underneath.