Popcorn is often one of life’s great mysteries when you are very young. This book helps kids understand where popcorn comes from and how it explodes into being, all the way from planting seeds to enjoying a bowlful. The rhyming text is short and harder words (e.g., pericarps) are featured in bold and explained, and are included in the back matter as well. The illustrations feature an inclusive group of young children learning to make popcorn. The drawings are colorful and usually include fun perspective shots of the children and the popcorn. This book also includes activities in the back. These activities include growing your own popcorn and creating your own “popcorn sheep.” The back matter also features a page that goes a little more in-depth scientifically on how popcorn is made, with photos of an actual kernel of popcorn in stages of ­popping. VERDICT A perfect book to expand nonfiction story times.

“A fun rhyme leads young picture book readers through the snack and its evolutionary process, adhering to STEM educational requirements as it moves through science and nature and adds hands-on activities kids can learn from.”

“…Schumerth and Uhles offer a lively introduction to the science behind a favorite munchable.”

“A spirited rhyming ode to popcorn and the fun it brings to all… While each line of text rarely strays from seven or eight syllables, there is great synergy between words and pictures, making it hard to sit still while turning the pages.”