Volcanologist Gill Jolly lives among the volcanos of the South Island of New Zealand and has worked with volcanos all her life. Her fascinating, informative book tells us exactly what a volcano is, and which are the biggest, loudest and the most dangerous ones. Along with all the familiar details of Vesuvius, Krakatoa and Mount St. Helens, we learn about where other volcanos are found in the world. With chapter headings such as: The Biggest Bang on Earth, Inside the Guts, Total Destruction, Moving Mountains and Rivers of Concrete how could children resist finding out what they are about? Even though the suggested audience is seven-plus, the interest level is up to adults; I’m sure parents and children will enjoy reading and discussing the information. It would also be a great starting place for further investigation by older children. In picture book format, the book has a pleasing layout with full colour photographic illustrations and side bars with facts and maps, making it accessible for young readers. Black Dog has gained a reputation for firstclass nonfiction for children and this is a worthy addition to the award-winning series, which includes books on penguins, birds, sharks and fish.

Sandy Campbell is the immediate past president of the Children’s Book Council (NSW Branch) and has worked in publishing for more than 20 years

This review from Australian Bookseller & Publisher magazine is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC. © Copyright 2008, Thorpe-Bowker

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