I knocked half a star off because there are some detrimental editing errors scattered throughout (i.e. errors that affect the ability to carry out the instructions). Otherwise, it's a great collection of experiments to do with kids that illustrate some fundamentals of science. A few are super-basic, like how to make a paper airplane. But a lot of them are clever, creative, and sound like a lot of fun. A bonus for me were the number of experiments that involve exploding things. (What can I say? I like exploding things. Safely.)

The author did a decent job writing up the instructions and explanations. Her introduction was a little too parent focused, if I'm being nit-picky (obviously, I am). You don't have to be a parent to find this book useful; aunts, uncles, grandparents, and teachers will all find it a fun resource too, and it wouldn't have taken much thought to write for the wider audience.

Her explanations are bare-bones basic, but they seemed to cover the broad-concept basics, and often included suggestions for how to explain the science in terms kids could easily grasp. My only other complaint that went towards the 1/2 star deduction is that while she offers suggestions for how to take the experiments further, she doesn't offer any explanation for why these supplemental variations might deviate from the original experiment. I can see how this might leave the adult at a loss for a properly scientific explanation.

Some of the experiments that will get a go here next time the nieces are around include Magic Milk, Crystal Snowflakes, Marshmallow launcher, Super-squirter water blaster, and the one I'm personally most excited about: Exploding Sidewalk Chalk. It's messy, it's colourful, and best of all, it EXPLODES! ( )

Full of wonderful science experiments that can be done with items and ingredients found in most homes. The experiments vary from making a vinegar and baking soda explosion and growing mold on bread, to creating a contained rainstorm and growing geodes inside eggs.

This is a must have for any parent! The projects are fun and educational, and create interest in and excitement about science at a young age. All of the ingredients called for are easy to find at home or a typical grocery store. There are even a few that I want to do for my friends.

The only con is that the book used only one color to compliment the black and white text. A more colorful book would be more appealing, or possibly one that had photos of the experiments being done and ingredients needed.. As this is an eARC, I am not sure if it will be a bit different when published.

**eARC Netgalley** ( )