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What Floats in a Moat?
A goat and a hen turn a playful exploration of physics into scientific fun that rises to the top!
Archie the Goat has a delivery to make. He has several barrels of buttermilk that the queen needs, but in order to get them to her, he needs to cross the moat.
Testing several different theories to find out what will float and what will sink, Archie and his friend Skinny the Hen don’t succeed at first, but they do try, try, try again (and again). And with reason and persistence, they’ll get that buttermilk where it needs to be!
Archie the Goat has a delivery to make. He has several barrels of buttermilk that the queen needs, but in order to get them to her, he needs to cross the moat.
Testing several different theories to find out what will float and what will sink, Archie and his friend Skinny the Hen don’t succeed at first, but they do try, try, try again (and again). And with reason and persistence, they’ll get that buttermilk where it needs to be!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2013
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116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 10, 2013
Age: 1st-3rd grade
Science: Physics
Animals: Farm (goat, chicken)
I liked the rollicking cadence throughout and I loved the repeated phrase "in the name of science!" which many kids will want to repeat themselves, I'm sure. However, it's not explicitly clear that the last barrel is left half full in order to float across the moat. I always wonder how these key details are missed by editors.
Science: Physics
Animals: Farm (goat, chicken)
I liked the rollicking cadence throughout and I loved the repeated phrase "in the name of science!" which many kids will want to repeat themselves, I'm sure. However, it's not explicitly clear that the last barrel is left half full in order to float across the moat. I always wonder how these key details are missed by editors.
September 16, 2024
I don’t think I can provide an impartial review. But it wasn’t one of my favorites. Luca was pretty distracted during the reading, too, but did at one point ask, “can me see?”
Uncle Chris read this book in a bad English accent . The accent only made it to page 5. -5 points.
Uncle Chris read this book in a bad English accent . The accent only made it to page 5. -5 points.
March 30, 2019
Author Lynne Berry and illustrator Matthew Cordell team up in this lighthearted picture-book examination of Archimedes' principle, AKA the physical law of buoyancy. As Archie the goat attempts to get across the moat, aided by his assistant, Skinny the Hen, he finds that an empty barrel is as futile as a full one. The latter sinks, and the former is unstable. Finally, after a few tries, he discovers that a half-empty barrel is just the ticket...
With a humorous story-line, a (sometimes) rhyming text, and appealing artwork from Caldecott medalist Cordell, What Floats in a Moat? is an engaging picture-book, one that can be read simply as an entertaining tale, but that can also be used to explain and explore the idea of buoyancy with younger children. Skinny Hen's reactions are particularly amusing here, and I can see the back-and-forth between her and Archie making this an excellent read-aloud selection at story-time. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging children's stories that explain scientific concepts, as well as to those just looking for amusing picture-book romps.
With a humorous story-line, a (sometimes) rhyming text, and appealing artwork from Caldecott medalist Cordell, What Floats in a Moat? is an engaging picture-book, one that can be read simply as an entertaining tale, but that can also be used to explain and explore the idea of buoyancy with younger children. Skinny Hen's reactions are particularly amusing here, and I can see the back-and-forth between her and Archie making this an excellent read-aloud selection at story-time. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging children's stories that explain scientific concepts, as well as to those just looking for amusing picture-book romps.
January 27, 2014
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge proponent of science education and am always rooting for science books to do well, but I just could not give this book a higher rating, much as I wish I could.
I'm quite familiar with Archimedes' Principle and yet, because of all the intervening, semi-poetic (and somewhat unnecessary) words, it didn't even occur to me that that was what was being conveyed. I think the story would have read better if the author had cut ou 50+ words.
Another issue I had with it was that it seemed to be trying hard to achieve the quirkiness of books like "Stuck" or "This Is Not My Hat" but misses the boat (and lands in the moat). I don't really fault the author too much for that. Not everyone can be a Jeffers or Klassen (or Dykman or Barnett).
But, ultimately, it *was* trying to talk about science so I have to give it 3 stars for Good.
I'm quite familiar with Archimedes' Principle and yet, because of all the intervening, semi-poetic (and somewhat unnecessary) words, it didn't even occur to me that that was what was being conveyed. I think the story would have read better if the author had cut ou 50+ words.
Another issue I had with it was that it seemed to be trying hard to achieve the quirkiness of books like "Stuck" or "This Is Not My Hat" but misses the boat (and lands in the moat). I don't really fault the author too much for that. Not everyone can be a Jeffers or Klassen (or Dykman or Barnett).
But, ultimately, it *was* trying to talk about science so I have to give it 3 stars for Good.
January 8, 2014
A great educational book for your children of all ages. My 6 yr old loved it as well as my 3 yr old twins. Lots of good information with beautiful pictures that will help keep children engaged. A great lesson for science and learning what makes things float. The fun characters, rhyming, and alliteration really help the story flow. A great addition to any children's library.
April 14, 2014
I really enjoyed the rhyming text, mixed in with science. A winner!
October 19, 2015
I felt bad for the poor hen having to drink lots of buttermilk! Nice addition to a sink/float science unit.
June 11, 2019
184/365
June 11, 2019
I loved the vocabulary in this book and the sink/float information but I really wanted someone to point out that a drawbridge uses science too.
August 18, 2013
Archie the Goat, named in reference to Archimedes, decides to float across a moat instead of taking the drawbridge. First he builds a boat with a full barrel of buttermilk, which promptly sinks. Then he uses an empty barrel, which pitches him into the water. Finally, he decides to use a half empty barrel, though this point is not clearly and obviously pointed out in the story. The boat sails across the moat, where the queen promptly fusses at Archie for failing to deliver her buttermilk.
I enjoyed the charming, snappy dialog and Archie's cries that his work is "All in the name of science." The actual connection to Archimedes is a bit of a stretch, though I guess that between the goat and floating across the moat, it's enough to tie in Archimede's understanding of the displacement of water. The author note at the end of the text explains how Archie finally built his boat to sail across the moat. Younger readers will enjoy the story; students in grades 1 - 3 will be able to grasp the science connection with teacher/parent support.
I enjoyed the charming, snappy dialog and Archie's cries that his work is "All in the name of science." The actual connection to Archimedes is a bit of a stretch, though I guess that between the goat and floating across the moat, it's enough to tie in Archimede's understanding of the displacement of water. The author note at the end of the text explains how Archie finally built his boat to sail across the moat. Younger readers will enjoy the story; students in grades 1 - 3 will be able to grasp the science connection with teacher/parent support.
September 7, 2016
One scientific goat, one frazzled hen, and three barrels of buttermilk, to cross the moat of the castle-- leading to an exploration of the principle of boyancy. Despite the hen's suggestions, the Archie the goat declares it no time for practicality, instead going for "Science!" They try a full barrel, and empty barrel, and a half full barrel. Wacky illustrations depict faithful but somewhat put-upon lab assistant Hen helping Archie launch his boats, and the rhythm and rhymes attract children's attention. My six year old semi-science geek loved it and giggled like mad.
(No grownup will be surprised that the Goat's full name is Archimedes, nor that the Queen, who ordered the buttermilk, is not entirely pleased with losing most of the buttermilk. Thus the fate of the patrons of science.)
(No grownup will be surprised that the Goat's full name is Archimedes, nor that the Queen, who ordered the buttermilk, is not entirely pleased with losing most of the buttermilk. Thus the fate of the patrons of science.)
November 9, 2013
This had potential,but was in bad need of a good editor, something that seems to be going out of fashion. Sad.
It seemed to be starting out in rhyme, but abruptly turned into straight prose. Yet, the same single goat/float/boat rhyme kept turning up over and over. This would make this very choppy to read aloud--and the most likely way I see this being used is in science classes studying this principle. Certainly, humor or no humor--and there IS humor here--there's minimal appeal for small children. And it's getting that second star only because I can see teachers using this creatively.
It seemed to be starting out in rhyme, but abruptly turned into straight prose. Yet, the same single goat/float/boat rhyme kept turning up over and over. This would make this very choppy to read aloud--and the most likely way I see this being used is in science classes studying this principle. Certainly, humor or no humor--and there IS humor here--there's minimal appeal for small children. And it's getting that second star only because I can see teachers using this creatively.
March 31, 2015
What Floats in a Moat? by Lynne Berry
Cara W., Spring 2015
Cleverly titled, "What Floats in a Moat?" is an adorable tale of a goat and hen who are in charge of getting several cases of buttermilk to the queen of the land. This book combines science and storytelling in a cute and easy way. I cannot write much more about the book without giving it away but I promise you that it will delight both you and the child reading it.
This book is great for children who are science lovers as well as a book that goes along with science lessons in your classroom.
Cara W., Spring 2015
Cleverly titled, "What Floats in a Moat?" is an adorable tale of a goat and hen who are in charge of getting several cases of buttermilk to the queen of the land. This book combines science and storytelling in a cute and easy way. I cannot write much more about the book without giving it away but I promise you that it will delight both you and the child reading it.
This book is great for children who are science lovers as well as a book that goes along with science lessons in your classroom.
July 23, 2013
Rhyming text introduces readers to the principles of buoyancy and the scientific method. Characters are funny and the plot works to entertain while inform.
An author's note further explains concepts introduced in the story.
Pen and ink illustrations colored with watercolors.
Great for classroom use in grades K-3, text is a little too lengthy for preK classrooms though I know they often do units on whether objects will float/sink.
An author's note further explains concepts introduced in the story.
Pen and ink illustrations colored with watercolors.
Great for classroom use in grades K-3, text is a little too lengthy for preK classrooms though I know they often do units on whether objects will float/sink.
December 19, 2016
The text in this book left a lot to be desired. It sort of rhymed in some parts, but has a very difficult-to-pin-down rhythm which would probably make it a poor read-aloud. The scientific concepts presented are valuable, but the gimmicky text obscures a lot of the good concrete information. It might work best in a classroom setting with lots of adult scaffolding to bring the science to the forefront.
September 27, 2013
Pretty cute story about a goat and a chicken trying to get across a moat without using the bridge ("Bah...Draw-bridge, straw-bridge...this is a time for science!"). It takes a few tries and alterations, but eventually Archimedes (the goat) builds a barrel-boat that makes it across the moat. Young readers will laugh out loud at the surprise that greets Archie on the other side of the moat. This could be useful--and a lot of fun--in elementary classrooms.
May 28, 2015
I have to admit that I didn't think I would like this book as much as I did! The two characters are a very funny chicken and a goat. The goat wants to use science to figure out a way across the moat, while the chicken thinks the drawbridge would be the better option. In a fun way, this book teaches about Archimedes' principal relating to buoyancy. I found some of the situations and illustrations to be laugh out loud funny!!
July 25, 2015
Cute book with a fun science lesson. I think some kids who are really into science might like this, and it could also be used in a classroom when teaching about floating. Aside from that, I don't know if all/many kids would really get into it. I didn't like that I felt I was stumbling over the words that didn't rhyme after you'd have a few rhyming ones together. It's like you'd get in a rhythm and then it would just stop... It was a cute story though.
March 7, 2016
A fun and scientific story about a goat (Archie) and a chicken (Skinny) trying to get across a moat by floating barrels with differing levels of buttermilk in them. (I loved how Skinny kept suggesting that they use the drawbridge, but Archie would declare, "This is no time for a drawbridge. This is a time for science!") Through trial and error, Archie finally figures out how to get across.
Great illustrations!
Great illustrations!
July 18, 2018
A good addition to my "Boats & Buoyancy" library STEM program for K-2 (and the 3rd-6th graders ended up liking it too). Though not as "sciencey" as a non-fiction text, it was fun to read aloud and gave us more opportunities to make predictions, discuss displacement, and think about what makes a boat that not only floats, but can effectively and safely carry cargo. (One clever kid asked why they didn't just cut a barrel in half with their tools!)
August 3, 2013
Archie and Goat want to cross a moat and have three tries to get it right (since there are three barrels). Why they don't just use the drawbridge is all in the name of science. Rey try a full barrel, an empty barrel, and then a half full barrel. A little humor in the story helps to keep the science interesting. Good for those science units in first grade.
August 12, 2013
Learn a little, laugh a lot as a knight-helmeted goat and his scarf-wearing companion, a hen, try to get across a moat. They could use the drawbridge but what's the challenge in that? Matthew Cordell's artwork has never been better in enhancing the text of Lynne Berry.
My full review: http://bit.ly/14IosVf
My full review: http://bit.ly/14IosVf
July 30, 2013
Lengthy take on Archimede's bath. Archie the goat tries to float across a moat. For science! Lots of rhymes, and Skinny the Chicken gains much weight from downing all the buttermilk in their efforts to get the barrel properly afloat. I liked the angry queen pig. The pen and ink and watercolor illustrations reminded me of Steig. Appended with an author's note on water displacement.
August 26, 2013
Lynne Berry takes a wonderful path to tell the findings of the Greek Philosopher Archimedes. Archie the goat is trying to cross the moat by any means necessary. He has 3 barrels at his disposal, and tries to find if the full, empty, or half full barrel will get him across the moat safely.
A fun read!
A fun read!
October 10, 2013
What a great addition to any science teacher's lesson about buoyancy. Archie the goat, in reference to Archimedes, needs to cross the moat and refuses to use the drawbridge all in the name of science. He builds several barrels and learns a lesson about how an item floats. The author concludes the book with further information regarding Archimedes.
Read
October 22, 2013
WHAT FLOATS IN A MOAT?
OK--this book is flat-out funny :) Matthew Cordell's loose, cartoony, comical illustrations match PERFECTLY with Lynne Berry's loose, cartoony, comical story.
With dappled bits of rhyme, this book of "science" had me smiling from beginning to end and is sure to make any child giggle--a LOT. LOVE this book! I plan to purchase it :)
With dappled bits of rhyme, this book of "science" had me smiling from beginning to end and is sure to make any child giggle--a LOT. LOVE this book! I plan to purchase it :)
June 20, 2014
A funny, repetitive pattern story of a goat (named after Archimedes) and a chicken learning the concept of displacement through trial & error and perseverance to get across a moat. An engaging introduction to science concept for younger students. And a good message of not giving up, but head back to the drawing board.
November 22, 2014
A nice juxtaposition of scientific principles and a funny narrative. The rhyme scheme isn't perfect, but it works OK if you practice reading it aloud. The back matter is very helpful for making sure kids understand how the story and scientific principles tie together, as the main narrative doesn't make it clear.
October 6, 2013
This is a silly, funny book about a goat who wants to cross the most to get to the castle, but he has to figure out how (never mind that there is a perfectly good drawbridge he could use). I always love Cordell's amusing illustrations, and there's a little physics lesson at the end!
July 24, 2013
goat learns a little about water displacement/science/engineering when he tries to find something to carry him over the moat to the castle. cute rhyming text. small pics though so only good for lap book or small groups.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews