It's
almost December. Last weekend, my local newspaper arrived with a couple of
pounds of colorful advertising. As I paged through this virtual mall of holiday
gifts, I was surprised to find that the old-time favorite, Monopoly, is now a
training ground for credit card purchases. No more calculations for real estate
purchases and rents required; just swipe your plastic card through the game
board reader to credit or debit your account. No mental math needed; batteries
not included.
Electronics
permeate holiday advertising: DVDs, games, robots, toys, tools, computers, and
flat-screen TVs. Sitting here in Silicon Valley, I should not be surprised, but
I am. I saw only a handful of children's books advertised, usually as a part of
a package that included a talking stuffed character from the story. Batteries
not included.
In
the era of "Leave
No Child Behind," I wonder when children find the time for their
imaginations to spark and grow. In the classroom, often it's all about basics
and test preparation. During out-of-school
time, video games, television and earplug media leave little quiet time for
mental exploration and development. When I consider gifts for children, I look
for something that is both entertaining and mind expanding. I look for a good
book; batteries not required.
I
especially like to give books to children. The children in my extended family
predict easily what's in the flat package that arrives from my husband and me. It's
a book. That doesn't mean it's dull and boring, nor full of information getting
them ready for the next required test. Rather, a good children's book is like a
passport to another world, opening a window onto a new vista.
As
the science educator in the family, I share my interest in astronomy and space
sciences through these gifts. What are some of my favorites? The biography of Dr.
Jill Tarter and the story of SETI, "Looking for Life in the Universe,"
by Ellen Jackson (2002) is just right for upper elementary and middle school
children. Likewise, Gloria Skurzynski's story of astrobiology, "Are We Alone? Scientists Search
for Life in Space," (2004) takes children into the field with
scientists exploring Earth and space. These award-winning books have been out for a few years, but continue to be available
from online bookstores.
This
year, my pick for a holiday children's book is a new, fun astronomy book, "Wonderful
World of Space." The well-known astronomy educator, Andrew Fraknoi,
penned this delightful compendium of astronomy and space science. Among his
many professional activities, Fraknoi is a member of the SETI Institute's Board
of Trustees, and teaches astronomy at Foothill College. This month, Fraknoi was
selected as the 2007
California Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement & Support of
Education. He's a consummate astronomy educator, which is readily apparent in "Wonderful
World of Space."
Fraknoi
teamed with Disney Learning to produce this up-to-date, well-illustrated book.
It features beautiful images and explanations that are complemented by engaging
Disney characters to entertain young readers with funny little asides. (Mickey
Mouse explains, "There IS life on Pluto! He's got fleas!") The
question and answer style of the text suits readers who go page by page, and
those who like to browse randomly. Both will be drawn into a mind-expanding
adventure through the natural universe. And, the best part? No batteries
required – just a curious mind.
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