"Handsome and succinct." -- The Wall Street Journal "In full-page watercolor paintings and small-size panel illustrations, Chin shows how the tremendous explosion leaves a mass of lava, which hardens and grows into an island. Any reader who has ever made a homemade volcano out of baking soda will be hooked. a remarkable work and an asset for educators." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review "Chin's gorgeous illustrations include sweeping double-page spreads of the island and its inhabitants." -- Horn Book Magazine, starred review "Another superb contribution to scientific literature by Chin." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review ".this fine introduction to [the Galápagos] will surely stimulate readers' interest.

" -- School Library Journal, starred review "The art is masterful in its combination of realism and artistic flow; the layout complements sweeping full-page, full-bleed landscapes with carefully controlled panel sequences that provide additional focus on a process or creature, so the evolution of larger finches' beaks, for instance, is clearly demonstrated and explained." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB), starred review.