ALA Booklist (Mon Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

This intriguing book shows the surprisingly varied ways in which bubbles are incorporated in animals' lives. A watercolor painting fills each double-page spread, while superimposed headings identify the species and the purpose of its bubbles ("Keeping Warm," "Running," "Breathing," "Playing") and a paragraph of text explains what it does. For instance, a humpback whale swims in circles to create a "bubble net," herding fish toward the center, where they can be scooped into its enormous mouth. Juniper spittlebug nymphs encase themselves in a mound of gooey foam that protects them until they are ready to molt. These and other animals' techniques for creating and using bubbles are well described in succinct paragraphs. Thought balloons, carrying brief comments from the animals, add a bit of levity. A glossary and four pages of "amazing facts" are appended. Illustrated with finesse, this attractive book introduces 16 bubble makers, from insects to humans.

Kirkus Reviews

Bayrock's love of "way cool science" bubbles over in this surprisingly substantial book. <p>Bayrock's love of "way cool science" bubbles over in this surprisingly substantial book. How do animals use bubbles? For sailing, running, breathing, nesting--even playing (dolphins seem to blow bubbles just for fun). Sixteen double-page spreads cover 16 wholly different ways that fish, insects, amphibians and mammals use bubbles. Did you know that one species of spider creates a bubble home to live in underwater? That the popping bubbles of snapping shrimp can be "so loud it gets in the way of U.S. Navy sonar"? That the water shrew can actually run across the surface of the water courtesy of the bubbles trapped between its hairy toes? Lively expository prose deftly combines straightforward facts (the scientific name of each animal), sound effects (the "fwap-fwap-fwap-fwap" of tree frogs creating foam) and kid-friendly comparisons (the gourami fish spitting eggs into its nest looks like it's playing basketball). Conahan's whimsical watercolor illustrations, complete with conversational bubbles, add humor and interest. Three pages of additional facts and a combined glossary/index round out a volume that's sure to rise to the top. <i>(Informational picture book. 5-10)</p>

School Library Journal (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2009)

Gr 2-4 Fast Repetitive Tick (FaRT) is the term scientists use to describe the flatulencelike noise that herring make as they communicate their locations to one another other. That might be the most amusing description of the uses of bubbles in the natural world, but this entire book is enjoyable and engaging. From the protective hiding places young juniper spittlebugs create to the foamy nest that the African gray treefrog whips up around her freshly laid eggs in the branches above a pool, bubbles are described and pictured. The illustrations are pale and less-detailed versions of scientifically accurate drawings overlaid with entertaining comments, e.g., parent frogs admonish, "Careful, kids!" and "Don't talk to any predators!" The comments may be corny, but they infuse the information with fun. The single-page glossary defines terms simply and effectively, e.g., flatulence is described as "The scientific name for farting." Two spreads of "More amazing facts" offer additional information about each species' habitat, location, and physical attributes. Creative, accessible, and fact-filled. Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Horn Book (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

With accuracy and humor, this book explores how some animals use bubbles: e.g., as a raft (violet sea snails), for warmth (sea otters), and possibly for communication (herring). Pale watercolor illustrations help clarify the scientific concepts; additional facts about the sixteen featured animals are appended. Glos., ind.