Allen & Unwin

April 2025

ISBN:9781761180644

Publisher:A&U Children’s

Imprint:A & U Children

RRP: $26.99

I think we all know from their previous collaborations that the pairing of these two creators is always going to be a stunning result. And this one certainly is that.

Kiddos love volcanoes. They love hearing about them, watching films of them, and making model ones especially. But I doubt that many of them would know about what’s happening under the ocean’s surface when an underwater volcano forms and ‘grows’.

They certainly are unlikely to associate the birth of a new volcano with the parallel creation of colonies of marine creatures. And then there is the appearance of a whole new mountain – an island which becomes home to even more species.

This is a fascinating narrative non-fiction that takes readers on that exploration, ably assisted by both text and illustrations. The gorgeous fold-out centre double-spreads will absolutely rock their little socks.

Obviously this is a perfect addition to HASS or Science studies but just for general interest as well with SO much potential for follow-up activities whether STEM, art, writing, modelling – the ideas are limitless really. The teaching notes focus very heavily only on literacy – missed opportunity there.

I’m happy to give it an explosive 5 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋rating for readers from Year 2 upwards – it’s one to look out for in the coming year’s lists. As I finish writing this, an underwater volcano near Oregon, predicted to erupt within the next week will be livestreamed – what an opportunity for your kiddos!

An Underwater Volcano Near Oregon Is Ready To Blow—and It Will Be Livestreamed

Claire Saxby: Volcano is Born – from Claire’s blog

Volcano! Another book for children by prize-winning author Claire Saxby – ABC RN chat