For young readers Young scientist investigates

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 17

For young readers Young scientist investigates

The Young Scientist Investigates Everyday Chemicals. By Terry Jennings. Oxford University Press.

This is one in a series of books which introduce children to the wonders of science in a practical and enjoyable way. Colour pictures accompany the simply-told text. Each section is concluded by a quiz to test the reader’s memory, and things to do for the young scientist who wants to experiment. Some of the topics covered in this volume are: chemicals obtained from coal, oil and the air, acids and alkalis; salt, sugar and chalk; dyes; soap and detergents’ chemicals for killing germs and for the farm. Among the interesting experiments are cleaning coins, separating salt and sand, testing various household powders, making invisible ink, making carbon dioxide, and making a model fire extinguisher.

The Turban-Wallah by L|n Webster. OxforfyUni-

versify Press. Rupinder is a Sikh Indian living in England. The story explores the problems he faces, one of which is his friendship with a Hindu girl, an association frowned on by her parents. Long bursts of conversation drag back the momentum of the story, which lacks any suspense or urgency. Young New Zealand children are unlikely to identify with the book, as the racial situation in Britain is quite different from that of this country.

The Anti-Peggy Enterprise by Thomas McKean. Methuen. $20.95.

The schemes devised by three children to prevent their father marrying Peggy are ingenious, and make for some hilarious reading. The children find out that Peggy only wants their dad’s money, and they overhear some nasty schemes she has for their futures. All three children come up with zany schemes designed to m£ke

Peggy feel she could not possibly be happy as the wife of their father.

Charlie, Emma and the Dragon Family by Margaret Greaves. Methuen. $4.95.

Ashley is a mischievous magic dragon who makes life interesting for his owners, Charlies' and Emma. He couses a riot at a neighbourhood public meeting by biting unsuspecting people’s legs. His whole dragon family comes to help the children when they become mixed up in a crusade to stop the building of a carpark. The story is funny. Full of surprises, and should appeal to young readers aged about nine and over.