Ice Boy

Stein (Tad and Dad) renders his funny mixed-media paintings in bright blues and stormy grays, and peppers them with quippy dialogue balloons (“Am I dense, or did I just become a liquid again?”), proving that science can be empowering on many levels and that “you do you” can contain multitudes.—Publishers WeeklyThe pictures are brilliant, sprinkled with cute, poignant speech bubbles from the characters. The layout of Ice Boy’s different manifestations is very visually appealing. This story will provoke a lot of different emotions … amusement, sentimentality, anxiety, confusion, but ultimately, relief.—Story Monsters InkStein’s offbeat, animated story makes lively work of the water cycle with cartoonish, doodlelike illustrations of the adventurous ice cube set against aqueous backgrounds, and speech balloons from Ice Boy and his friends add humorous running commentary. A comical caper with a stealthy dose of basic science concepts.—BooklistFunny and entertaining, this book starring an independent ice cube is a truly enjoyable tour through the water cycle that offers insights into the dynamics of life in the freezer.—School Library JournalStein’s joyful, varied mixed-media illustrations will bring smiles to young readers’ faces…Ice Boy knows how to enjoy what life has to offer, from a dip in the ocean to a tickly ride on a waterspout. Young readers are often taught about the water cycle; this droll story will be fine addition to a classroom library—The Horn BookReaders will be drawn into the transition from Ice Boy to Water Boy to Vapor Boy, and will gleefully anticipate his next predicament. The illustrations maintain Ice Boy’s spunky character, even as he evolves and changes forms. With a direct link to science curriculum, this title will provide students with a narrative of how the water cycle unfolds and comes full circle.—School Library ConnectionReviewed—Kirkus Reviews

David Ezra Stein is the creator of many award-winning picture books, including Interrupting Chicken, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor, Because Amelia Smiled, Dinosaur Kisses, and I’m My Own Dog. He lives with his family in Kew Gardens, New York.