Cola Fountains and Spattering Paint Bombs

As the title suggests, this is far from a dry book of science experiments—among the 47 activities are ones with attention-getting names like “elephant toothpaste,” “fireball grape,” and “exploding melon.” Readers will discover, though, that the experiments can be quite similar: those in which something foams up or explodes generally involve creating carbon dioxide (often with vinegar and baking soda), while those with gooey results usually include the use of borax. Instructions are direct and largely clear, and Faas’s images opt for playfulness over instruction. Her expressive paintings feature a girl and a hapless adult scientist—she’s having the time of her life, whether sailing down a river of glitter slime or microwaving homemade clay, whereas he provides the comic relief, with his experiments generally catching on fire or blowing up. Ages 6–up. (Apr.)