My Balloon

Budding scientists will have fun with--and learn a lot from--these four fact-filled titles in the Simple Science series. Pragoff's lively, vibrant photographs, depicting multicultural youngsters, possess considerable child appeal, and the simple texts make their respective subjects interesting without being overblown or pedantic. Frequently asked questions (``If I jump in the air, what happens to my shadow?''; ``Can you see the drop of water on my feather?'') involve the reader and encourage discussion. The final spreads of each book contain provocative addenda: ``More things to do'' suggests easy projects; ``Find the page'' acts as an index to the book's various concepts; and--of particular interest--``Notes for parents and teachers'' amplify each subject with somewhat more technical data and explanations. Used by children alone or with help from parents or teachers, these intriguing books should handily expand young readers' technological awareness. Ages 5-8. (May)