Fang, Vicky. Making Waves. Christine Nishiyama, Illus. Easy Reader. Layla and the Bots Series; bk. 4. Scholastic, 03/2022. [74]pp. PB $5.99. 978-1-338-58300-7. OUTSTANDING. GRADES K-3.
Layla and her bots are rock stars and inventors and put both skills to work to help out an injured dolphin. While touring the Surfside Rescue Center before an upcoming benefit concert, they meet Splash, who needs to be encouraged to eat in order to be eligible for surgery. The team quickly problem solves, tests their invention, and makes important adjustments. The science behind their invention is solid and is explained clearly. The fact that it doesn’t work perfectly right off the bat, is not only likely, it also makes the information that sound waves are distinguished by both volume and frequency more memorable. Cute, colorful cartoon illustrations, a brown-skinned main character, and comprehension questions and instructions on how to design and build your own musical instrument all add to the appeal of this fourth installment in a new reader series.
Melissa McAvoy, Retired
