About this book

A photographic exploration into the beauty and magic of light from the creator of the bestselling A Drop of Water!

The wonder of light has fascinated readers for ages. Walter Wick's mesmerizing photographs paired with simple yet fascinating text and scientific observations help readers understand the secrets and complexity of light.

You will learn what light is made of and how it fits alongside everything else in the world. Walter introduces readers into the mystery behind incandescence, light waves, the colour spectrum, and iridescence as well as how we perceive light in our world and beyond.

Walter Wick demonstrates that science and art both offer ways to observe the world around us.

A Ray of Light is perfect for the STEM curriculum as it incorporates the early disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Reviews

* "The text examines incandescence, iridescence, refraction, the relationship between light waves and colors, pigments, magnification, heat, fire, and the sun -- always clearly and in concert with spellbinding photographs . . . A love story to light and color, both educational and visually stunning." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Most science books offer illustrations, but few manage to consistently feature such precision when capturing the exact moment when energy becomes light, or employ such eloquence in explaining concepts through select, well-chosen words and pictures." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Large eye-catching photos are the star of the show in this exploration of light . . . Libraries with strong STEM collections should consider Wick's visual introduction to an intriguing subject." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"The gorgeous images of phenomena, in carefully staged everyday contexts, amaze us even as they prompt reflections on the underlying science." -- The Horn Book

"The colored photographs are crisp and detailed, adding another layer of richness to the information presented . . . This is a visually appealing book to initiate the reader's exploration into the world of light." -- School Library Connection

"With clear text and arresting, informative photographs, Walter Wick introduces children to an illuminated realm of 'science and wonder' . . . It's beautiful stuff." -- The Wall Street Journal

Praise for A Drop of Water:

ALA Notable Children's Book, 1998.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 Award, 1998.

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (Nonfiction), 1997

"Something as simple as a drop of water hardly seems the stuff of extraordinary science. Yet exceptional photography from Wick shows fundamental science experiments in a fresh light." -- Kirkus Reviews