What is dust?
More than you think.

What can it do?
You will be surprised.

Dust may seem small,
dark, dirty, and dull.
But it's the secret
behind one of the
largest, most colorful
sights on earth.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

What is dust?
More than you think.

What can it do?
You will be surprised.

Dust may seem small,
dark, dirty, and dull.
But it's the secret
behind one of the
largest, most colorful
sights on earth.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 4-This elegant picture book introduces the concept of dust-what it is, how it travels, and how it stays with us through time. In language both poetic and informative ("That dusty film on your computer screen/might have muddied a dinosaur"), Sayre conveys a sense of wonder at the many small things-"a crumbling leaf, the eyelash of a seal, the scales of a snake"-that make up dust and how it unites people across space and time. An interesting afterword expands on a theme raised in the text-the effect of this substance on the color of sunrises and sunsets-and offers more background information. Jonas's borderless watercolor artwork has an impressionist quality that complements the spare text. This book is ideal for classroom use, and is both straightforward enough for preschoolers and fascinating enough to capture the interest of older elementary students.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

To a set of (appropriately) atmospheric scenes of sunsets and swirls of wind, dry desert, ocean spray, scattered stars and volcanic clouds, Sayre briefly explains dust's various terrestrial and cosmic origins, what's in it and how it turns skies red at sunrise and sunset. Noting that, "dust that made King Tut sneeze is still on Earth. It might be on your floor. That dusty film on your computer screen might have muddied a dinosaur," and closing with extended remarks on dust's travels, ubiquity and longevity, the author will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the links between themselves, the stars and those bunnies under the bed. (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-8)