Stewart, Melissa. From BAM! to BURP! A Carbon Atom’s Never-Ending Journey Through Space and Time and YOU. Marta Alvarez Miguens, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2025. [36]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-446-1. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.
The creation of carbon atoms is the topic of this informational picture book, beginning with Earth’s formation and continuing to current times. The text is fairly simple but with enough examples to clearly explain how carbon is in everything, from coal to plants to gas to humans. The digitally created illustrations help to expand on the text, showing a carbon atom with a smiling face and a diverse classroom of children. Overall, it can be a little too complex for the primary grade audience for which it is intended, but children can read it again for clarity. Back matter includes a question-and-answer spread on the topic, the carbon cycle, a section on the climate crisis, a list of sources, and a list of children’s books on the topic.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool