The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks

Posted by: kdigan2340 on: March 13, 2009

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Joanna, C. (1986). The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Grades: Grades 2-4

The book series The Magic School Bus combines entertaining plot scenarios with science-based learning to teach kids about the natural world. In this particular story, Ms. Frizzle, the classroom teacher, assigns her students a month-long task of researching information about the town’s water supply. When she announces a field trip to Waterworks, the students are anything but pleased. However, what initially appeared to be a boring, uneventful class trip turns into a thrilling adventure of school buses flying,  Ms. Frizzle landing on clouds, and students literally becoming raindrops. The story offers an interesting approach to science learning with it’s authentic facts and explanation of water and its purification process. The lively illustrations in the form of cartoons and surreal images provide comic relief to a generally boring topic. After reading this story, readers will surely want to have Ms. Frizzle as their own teacher!

Author: Joanna Cole

Joanna Cole, once a librarian, elementary school teacher, and children’s book editor, has always maintained a steady interest and appreciation for children’s literature. She has published over 90 nonfiction books for children and renders The Magic School Bus series one of her most prized accomplishments. Combining her love for science and humor, Cole developed the series to educate and entertain young readers everywhere. She continues to write in her New York apartment today. We can only expect better, more lively stories from this already renowned author.

http://www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/books/authors/

Illustrator: Bruce Degen

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Bruce Degen has always loved painting and drawing. Dating back to his elementary school years, he has always had a passion for art and thus decided to make a career out of it by illustrating children’s books. Aside from The Magic School Bus Series, Degen has written and illustrated such books as Jamberry and Sailaway Home among others.

http://www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/books/authors/

Sources:

• www.amazon.com
• www.scholastic.com

*** List of the entire Magic School Bus series books! ***

(includes games, tours, science lessons, and more!)

http://www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/