Liz Huyck

Ask magazine is a good, solid offering from Cricket for any school or public library. Geared toward ages 7-10, it covers different topics with a theme for each issue. Examples include “Computers Inside Out” and “Meet the Family”, an issue dedicated to the human family tree in evolution. In general, there is more emphasis on math and science than on art; gratifyingly, there is equal emphasis on men and women in science and in illustrations. Recurring cartoon animals give readers the chance to follow along from issue to issue, and the back pages of each issue gives readers a chance to send in letters and drawings, and pose questions or tasks for readers to do and send in for the next issue. The layout is engaging and easy to follow. My only quibble is that in an article about the mathematical Fibonacci, the tone of the article made it unclear to readers whether or not he was a real person. A minor point, but an important one since the magazine is definitely geared towards both fun and learning. A good magazine for kids who are curious about the world, and to have in the classroom.… (mehr)