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Walter Wick
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A Ray of Light Hardcover – Picture Book, February 26, 2019

by Walter Wick (Author, Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 138 ratings
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A photographic exploration into the beauty and magic of light from the creator of the bestselling A Drop of Water and the Can You See What I See? series.

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 color 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.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    6 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    1 - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    NC1170L
  6. Dimensions
    9.25 x 0.25 x 11.5 inches
  7. Publisher
    Scholastic Press
  8. Publication date
    February 26, 2019
  9. ISBN-10
    0439165873
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0439165877
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-7-Large eye-catching photos are the star of the show in this exploration of light. In addition to examining basic topics such as light waves, the sun, color spectrum, reflection, and refraction, Wick also tackles iridescence, pigments, and other concepts not often covered in introductory books for children. Photos illustrate how lenses work in a camera, telescope, and magnifying glass, and show a prism refracting light or close-up views of iridescent insects and feathers. Much of the text serves as expanded captions for the photos. Some smaller images are harder to see, such as the tiny beam of light split into colors after passing through a water-filled box. The text refers to the processes and experiments behind the photos, and Wick provides more extensive instructions and explanations in two pages following the main text. Although upper elementary students may be able to do some activities with adult help or supervision, younger students will probably remain observers of teacher or parent demonstrations. Without a glossary, index, or list of additional sources, Wick's title may serve best as a starting point to encourage explorations using hands-on activities found elsewhere. VERDICT Libraries with strong STEM collections should consider Wick's visual introduction to an intriguing subject.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankatoα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

* "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 JournalPraise 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

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press; Illustrated edition (February 26, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0439165873
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0439165877
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 8 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ NC1170L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.25 x 0.25 x 11.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 138 ratings

About the author

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Walter Wick

Walter Wick

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When I was young I was a reluctant reader. It was hard for me to sit still and read a book. I preferred activities that got me moving, like neighborhood ball games, bike riding, skiing, sledding, skating, climbing trees, and exploring the woods in Connecticut where I grew up.

I also taught myself to draw. I became fascinated with shapes, shading, and trying to make the objects in my drawings appear to pop out in 3-D. Later I became interested in photography. I took pictures in the woods with my camera, tinkered with equipment in the darkroom, and experimented with artistic effects.

Much later I became the photographer of the I SPY books, in collaboration with writer Jean Marzollo. I did more than take the pictures. I thought of and sketched ideas, collected and made props, built sets, arranged and hid objects, adjusted lights, and then took the picture. I rearranged objects and took another picture -- sometimes over and over again.

I write as well as illustrate my own books now. In A DROP OF WATER, I combine simple text with clear photographs to explain science secrets of the everyday world. In WALTER WICK'S OPTICAL TRICKS, the world is turned upside down with impossible objects, phantom images, and other perplexing illusions. With the CAN YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? series, I continue the picture-puzzle tradition, taking readers on amazing journeys of the imagination in their quest for hidden objects. With my latest, HEY, SEYMOUR! you can join Seymour and his new friend Buttons on their adventures. Discover different worlds and the objects hidden in them with fold out flaps in this ever expanding search-and-find.

Happy reading!

Walter Wick

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
138 global ratings
Art School friend LOVES it
5 Stars
Art School friend LOVES it
I sent this book to a friend as a gift because I have been a long time fan of photographer Walter Wick and I wanted share such a great book. She absolutely loved it, getting a text from her made my day to know that she connected with the gift. This friend also happens to be someone who recently graduated from a fine arts photography degree. She knows her stuff!
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Top reviews from the United States

Brennock J Hoyt
5.0 out of 5 stars It’s all about the light
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
Excellent Work! Light is so important in our life. How we see, at all ages. Through photography and simple text, we are taken from the basic to the complex in easy to understand, show and tell, what light is and does, as well as why.
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Quality Matters
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and clear
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
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Clearing and cleverly described its subject while making it fascinating
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Manzana
5.0 out of 5 stars Art School friend LOVES it
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
I sent this book to a friend as a gift because I have been a long time fan of photographer Walter Wick and I wanted share such a great book. She absolutely loved it, getting a text from her made my day to know that she connected with the gift. This friend also happens to be someone who recently graduated from a fine arts photography degree. She knows her stuff!
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Manzana
5.0 out of 5 stars Art School friend LOVES it
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2021
I sent this book to a friend as a gift because I have been a long time fan of photographer Walter Wick and I wanted share such a great book. She absolutely loved it, getting a text from her made my day to know that she connected with the gift. This friend also happens to be someone who recently graduated from a fine arts photography degree. She knows her stuff!
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One person found this helpful
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Becca
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Anyone
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2019
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Growing up in the 90's I was no stranger to this author's books because I was frequently skimming through the beautiful iSpy scenes he created. I was more than happy to purchase this book after watching a youtube video featuring Wick and hearing about why this book was made. I study physics for my undergrad and I astronomy is my passion, this book teaches you about properties and importance of light here on Earth and in deep space. It's a short and simple book, because well it's for a kid to read, but the knowledge is so rich. The beautiful images compliment everything and will have you picking it up again and again even as an adult.
7 people found this helpful
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EJW
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Science Book
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2019
Verified Purchase
Engaging for elementary age range, photographs are beautiful, concise descriptions explaining each concept of light are perfectly conducive to a Charlotte Mason education philosophy. We bought this as a fun supplement to our science curriculum after using Walter Wick's 'Drop of Water' (which my children also throughly enjoyed). If Mr. Wick continues to produce science books in this line, we will definitely continue purchasing them -- and certainly wouldn't be the only ones as a large home education community utilizes his Drop of Water. Both of these are well worth owning!
3 people found this helpful
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Jessica
5.0 out of 5 stars Great sequel to A Drop of Water
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2022
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My 9yo emerging reader happily chooses this to read. I would recommend buying a prism with it.
2 people found this helpful
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Jerald Lazar
5.0 out of 5 stars I've Seen the Light!
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2019
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WOW! A+ ! ... Awesome & astonishing! Gorgeous new photo book by the ultra-talented Walter Wick (I Spy; Can You See What I See; A Drop Of Water) ... Learn all about the science, art and magic of light & color... Fun & educational for all ages!… You'll never again take for granted the natural beauty of candlelight, sunshine, bird feathers, butterfly wings or soap bubbles... Highly recommend!...
6 people found this helpful
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Quilts2theHilt
2.0 out of 5 stars Not well written
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2020
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I purchased A Ray of Light thinking it would be a scientific more mature take on Eye Spy. And in some ways it is. The photography is beautiful, but within a few pages you start to realize - the writing is bad. It absolutely tries, but the cadence isn't there, the phrasing is weird and it's obvious that whomever wrote it is not a writer.

From everything I've heard Wick wrote this himself so I absolutely believe another pairing with a seasoned author would have done him a world of good. We ended up re-gifting Ray and I'd recommend instead 'Science: The Definitive Visual Guide' - the photography is not as beautiful, but the overall package is much more successful.
7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

MP
5.0 out of 5 stars Good overview
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 9, 2020
Verified Purchase
I thought this a good overview of a huge subject. Very accessible.
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Erica
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice pictures
Reviewed in Singapore on August 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
A bit hard to read for grade 2. Need some guidance from parents.
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