Bang: The Wild Wonders of Earth's Phenomena

by Jennifer N.R. Smith

Using luminous HUV printing, Bang immerses readers in the awe-inspiring phenomena of the natural world. In this follow-up to the highly acclaimed Glow , award-winning illustrator Jennifer N. R. Smith takes us on a breathtaking tour of the planet’s most astonishing natural phenomena―from explosive volcanoes and geysers to dancing lights in the night sky. The Earth may seem solid and stationary but deep beneath its surface it is constantly changing, twisting, and transforming. Its unbridled power is what generates surreal natural phenomena and dramatic landscapes, as well as devastating natural disasters. In this lavishly illustrated book, young readers will discover the explosive power of volcanoes, a cave filled with giant crystals, a hot spring pool filled with bathing snow monkeys, dinosaurs hidden between layers of rock, and an incredible ecosystem that can survive the boiling hot waters around hydrothermal vents. There is also extreme weather and incredible optical phenomena, including auroras, light pillars, and sun dogs. Hyperdetailed, glorious, and awe-inspiring, Bang will inspire young earth scientists to see the wonder in the world around them. Illustrated in color throughout

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Nature, Science, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cool! I learned a lot but it was really the illustrations that kept me interested.

[Erin Buhr]

Phenomena, both rare and familiar, are found in nature all around the world. From volcanoes to mountains, geysers to rainbows, some of Earth's most miraculous events and sights are explained in this large, scale nonfiction book. BANG introduces readers to all of the layers of the Earth that make this planet truly awe inspiring. The lavish illustrations, diagrams and detailed descriptions of these phenomena will capture the interest of young scientists.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bang is a fascinating oversized picture book with captivating illustrations and accessible scientific explanations of natural phenomena like volcanoes, glaciers, caves, clouds, and fossils. Readers will have a solid grasp of the how and why, as well as knowledge of interesting details like how giant 500,000-year-old crystals were discovered in a Mexican cave in the year 2000. Fascinating and fun; excellent for curious minds!

[Kuleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the coolest books I've ever read. It's oversized in format and jam-packed with facts about the Earth, from volcanoes to northern lights. Inside, you'll find awesome illustrations of crystal caves, snow monkeys in hot springs, and hidden dinosaur fossils. It even covers crazy weather and natural disasters. Bang is perfect for young science fans who want to see how amazing our planet really is. Thank you to Thames and Hudson for the review copy.

[Vanity La’Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I read this one slowly. A few pages a night as bedtime stories and it was such a fun and fascinating experience.

I’ve always loved certain sciences, but others have felt like trying to read a foreign language. This book made everything feel accessible.

- It’s written in a way that’s easy to understand, super engaging, and honestly… just super super fun.

- Some of the topics we’d heard of, but there were plenty of surprises too… strange, wild, and totally wonder-inducing phenomena that made us go, “Wait, really?!”

- It sparked some fun bedtime conversations and even more curiosity.

- I think this may have been my sign to start reading more children’s books about school-type subjects because this one? A hit.

Highly recommend for curious kids and curious adults.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunningly illustrated book that younger readers will devour. This is a bold and brilliant canter through earth’s phenomena, from the structure of the Earth to the Northern Lights. But it's the illustrations that really capture the attention, huge and lavish spreads splashed across this large format book with incredible care and detail.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ART IS ABSOLUTELY FUCKING MAGNIFICENT!!! AND I LOVE THE GIANT ASS SIZE OF THE BOOK!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!