I See Myself

by Vicki Cobb, Julia Gorton (Illustrator)

Look in a mirror. Who do you see? Your very own self, that's who! Now look in a shiny doorknob or in a puddle. Can you see yourself in them? How about in the pages of this book? You might not see yourself, but you will feel yourself getting smarter as you begin to understand how and why you can see yourself. Renowned science author Vicki Cobb illuminates the scientific principles of light and reflection in a way that even the youngest kids can understand. Follow this book with a young child who loves to play, and see the light in a whole new way. Discover science, and the world will never look the same. Fun hands-on activities and irresistible illustrations by Julia Gorton makethis book a perfect excuse to learn about science . . . just for the fun of it!

Genres: Science, Picture Books, Childrens, Stem, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Vicki Cobb, the “Master Chef of Hands-on Science,” a graduate of Barnard College and Columbia’s Teachers College, is a former science teacher with a M.A. in secondary school science. The publication of her classic book, Science Experiments You Can Eat, (an updated, revised edition was released in 2016 by HarperCollins) established her as an innovator in hands-on science. Take a look on her website www.vickicobb.com to get a sense of her playful and accessible approach to science in her 90+ books for grades K-8 that cover physics, chemistry and biology, biographies, geography, and the human body.

She is also pioneering a video project based on her book We Dare You! Check out the hilarious videos at www.wedareyouvideos.com

She has performed “Science Surprises,” her interactive and engrossing show for kids, in 49 of the fifty states (missing only North Dakota) as well as internationally. A veteran motivator/professional development presenter of day-long in-services/keynote speaker, Vicki uses her expertise, humor, wit and background as an educator to inspire teachers to make science teaching the highpoint of their day. Currently she is president and founder of iNK Think Tank, Inc., a nonprofit company that focuses on the contribution that nonfiction literature and its authors can make to education. She contributes to: The Nonfiction Minute, www.nonfictionminute.org/ (which has had 5+ million page views over the past five years) and has been a Contributor to the Huffington Post and has recently launched www.vickicobbsblog.com in connection with the Nonfiction Minute, where she writes commentary on education and reviews nonfiction books as inspiring reading for children hungry to learn about the real world. .

Vicki Cobb received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2012.

Reviews

[Nick So'oto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I See Myself, by Vicki Cobb is a story about a little girl who is interested in her own reflection! But, not how she looks, or any of her physical features, she’s interested in the science behind actually being able to see yourself. Throughout the book the little girl is searching for the things to see herself in. Then, she explains that you can only see people, and see yourself because of the light that is being bounced off certain points and objects. Without the light, we’d definitely never be able to see anything. The story is a great book for little scientist who are interested in learning about light and their reflection.

In my opinion I thought that I See Myself was a great short read, with lots of information that anyone would find helpful to learn. I overall loved this book, but one of the features I really adored were the examples that the author used. They were perfect examples for the age that this book is aiming to interact with. The examples were simple, and straight to the point, making it easy to understand the main concept of seeing your reflection. But, one of the features I didn’t like about the book would have to be the illustrations. I don’t think the style illustrations really match the theme or title of the book.

If I were to use this in the classroom it would most likely be in the science class while we were learning about how light travels, and bounces off objects, etc. This book could be my introduction into our new chapter, and or subject.

[Lindley Davis]

This book by Vicki Cobb was designed mainly for young children to learn and discover things about themselves. This book includes questions that are intended to be answered by doing the activities listed. A mirror, flashlight and ball are needed for this book and mentioned on the first page of the book. I like this book because it keeps young children interested by being an interactive and hands on book. While this book gives you questions to ask while reading this book to young children it also gives room for other questions to be asked by the parent or teacher. This book can also be used to teach children about light, mirrors, reflections, gravity and more. I would use this book in speech therapy to practice using a mirror and looking at their mouth and how it moves when they talk. If i'm teaching a specific sound to a child i would use the mirror and book to teach them self awareness of how they do it while having them look at me and model the sound after me.

[Ashlyn Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book it was a very cute and different book. This book teaches children about science in a more fun and creative way. It is a way for a parents to be full engaged in the learning and discoveries of their child. This book teaches children about light and reflection. The purpose of this book is for children to ask questions and to have parents or teachers ask the children questions as well. This book helps teach children to discover things in new and exciting ways. I think that this book is great for a child's development. I do not think I would use this in the hospital as a child life specialist, but I do see this book being used in a classroom setting. I would not use it because I do not see how I could use this to benefit others.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look in a mirror. Who do you see? Your very own self, that's who!

Now look in a shiny doorknob or in a puddle. Can you see yourself in them?

How about in the pages of this book?

You might not see yourself, but you will feel yourself getting smarter as you begin to understand how and why you can see yourself. Renowned science author Vicki Cobb illuminates the scientific principles of light and reflection in a way that even the youngest kids can understand. Follow this book with a young child who loves to play, and see the light in a whole new way.

Discover science, and the world will never look the same.

Fun hands-on activities and irresistible illustrations by Julia Gorton makethis book a perfect excuse to learn about science . . . just for the fun of it!

[Emily Kono]

I See Myself, by Vicki Cobb is a story about a little girl who is interested in her own reflection. She’s interested in the science behind actually being able to see yourself. Throughout the book, the little girl is searching for things to see herself in. Then, she explains that you can only see people, and see yourself because of the light that is being bounced off certain points and objects. Without the light, we’d definitely never be able to see anything. The story is a great book for the little scientists who are interested in learning about light and their reflections.

[Jeremy Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazingly done. It explains to the reader how mirrors work, the way a ball bounces, reflections, and how light is needed to see. There is a lot in this book, and I love it. The font, colors, and illustrations are perfect.

I would use this book with a cool little science experiment involving mirrors. I think the kids would love this book, and the many activities one could do with it.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to how light behaves and why mirrors work for little kids.

The science in this is solid. But it also does a great job of breaking down the science into language young kids can grasp. There are many suggested easy activities that can be done around a house or school that will help readers further understand the concepts introduced. Highly recommended for lower elementary science classes and curious kids.

[Emily Heid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this book simplifies a more complex topic for children. I think it would be better read to a class because the words on the pages are placed in different directions, colors, and sizes. I think it could be a bit harder to read for students who are just learning how to read. I think it would be a great tool during a science lesson about light.

[Hanne Heimonen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches science of light, reflection and mirrors to children. It’s an experience book which adds children’s understanding about science phenomenons. You can strengthen children’s self-image and self-efficacy with this book since they can complete the activities by themselves.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young children are natural scientists. They are always exploring, experimenting, and asking questions.
Vicki Cobb and Julia Gorton help illuminate the scientific principles of light and reflection in an easy to understand way.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes a complex subject, light and reflection, quite a bit simpler. Perhaps too simple - but you have to start somewhere. This one could have had just a little more life to it. The characters in the book don't really have much of a presence. 3.5 of 5.

[Christine Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Note: This book is in picture book format, and it would be a good addition to one of the science storytime kits. View School Library Journal Review for additional insight to this book.

HCPL Juv Nonfiction 535.323 Cob

Look in a mirror. Who do you see? Your very own self, that's who!
Now look in a shiny doorknob or in a puddle. Can you see yourself in them?
How about in the pages of this book?
You might not see yourself, but you will feel yourself getting smarter as you begin to understand how and why you can see yourself. Renowned science author Vicki Cobb illuminates the scientific principles of light and reflection in a way that even the youngest kids can understand. Follow this book with a young child who loves to play, and see the light in a whole new way.
Discover science, and the world will never look the same.
Fun hands-on activities and irresistible illustrations by Julia Gorton makethis book a perfect excuse to learn about science . . . just for the fun of it!

Subject: Reflection (Optics) -- Juvenile literature.
Reflection (Optics)
Mirrors

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A picture book of simple science exploration involving light, mirrors, and balls. Elementary and up

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A complex concept made simple for lower elementary kids.

[Susannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good accompaniment to Kindergarten science studies about light.

[Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. 3.5 stars.

[Heather Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful way to explain the science of reflection.

[Mandi Simmons]

Illuminates the scientific principles of light and reflection in a way that even the youngest kids can understand.

[Alyssa Arce]

This book illuminates the scientific principles of light and reflection in a way that even the youngest kids can understand. In class I would have students work on a science light activity.

[Leigh Chickering · Rating 4 out of 5]

I See Myself is a book about the science of mirrors and how they work and why you can see yourself in some things and not others. It also talks about light and how it bounces like a ball. A mirror is like a smooth floor that makes the ball bounce right where you want it to go, but other things are like a messy floor where you don't know where the ball will go.

I thought this was a fantastic book to teach about the science of mirrors. It was very eye catchy to young children while being educational. The words were incorporated into the pictures which I thought was really cool and intriguing.

I would use this book to teach the science of how mirrors work with light. I think that I would use this book to introduce the unit and get the students intrigued.

[Anne Catesby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I See Myself written by Vicki Cobb and illustrated by Julia Gorton is a great educational book for children. This book takes the concept of seeing your reflection in a mirror or in another object and explains it in a very understandable way how it actually works. Through descriptive text, activities, and informative images this scientific concept comes to life.

The book first starts off with a little girl looking into a mirror and asking what she sees. Then the book begins asking the reader to look into different objects to see if they can be seen. Once these things are done the author then discusses how you do not only need a mirror to see yourself but you also need light. The author then describes the different types of light sources you can use to see yourself and then she goes into talking about how light reflects and bounces off of different surfaces which is how you are able to see yourself in a mirror.

I would love to have a book like this in my classroom because it is so informative. It really shows anyone who reads it a fool proof way to understand how mirrors, light, and reflections work. It takes a concept that at times can be very involved and confusing and breaks it down into something more manageable. I believe that this type of book would be great for children possibly in the second grade and above. They would most likely be able to understand this concept more than someone who was younger than them. However, even older children may need a little more help when understanding some of the thing the author is talking about.

Even though the descriptions in this book are great the book would be completely different if it was not for Julia Gorton's illustrations. These painting like illustrations really bring the book to life. They also take the written words and explanations and turn them into something that can be seen and understood in a different way. Even though the illustrations are very childlike it does not take away from the book whatsoever.

I would encourage anyone to read this children's book and anyone to read it to their children. It is so informative that you cannot go wrong with it!

[Rachel Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I See Myself" was written by Vicki Cobb and illustrated by Julia Gorton. In this book, even the youngest of children can gain a better understanding of light and reflection. Cobb illuminates these scientific principles in a unique and extremely child-friendly manner such that the concepts are easy to understand. Not only does this book provide readers with great information, but it also allows them to engage in the text and participate in hands-on activities. In the beginning of the book, Cobb writes a special note for parents and encourages them to participate in the activities with their child as they read the book.

Additionally, this book includes wonderful illustrations by Julia Gorton. The pictures are bright and colorful, as well as, big and creative. I loved the way Gorton used the text as part of her illustrations, particularly when she made a zig-zag pattern when talking about the direction light goes. Furthermore, the pictures are helpful for children to see what the text is describing and masterfully aide in helping little ones understand the book's content.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it for young children. I love how it provides information in an easy-to-understand way and think it helps make a difficult concept easy to grasp for kids. I would definitely consider sharing this book in the my classroom and would certainly want to take my time reading it and allow my class to participate in the hands-on activities that accompany it.

[Lindsey Johnson]

I See Myself is a great book for children to learn about what you can and cannot see yourself in. It teaches children how if you look in a puddle you can see yourself or if you are in the dark you cannot see yourself. This book would be a great activity with your children. Whatever the book says on the page that’s what you could do with your children. The words are easy in this book and I think it could be read to fourth graders and younger just because of some of the activities it does in the book. The pictures have color in them but not something that jumps right out at you. I think the color is just kind of plain because its showing if you look in a mirror you can see yourself so it is not something where you need color everywhere.

[Shelby Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book describes how mirrors and light work together in order for us to see our reflections. This book, along with the illustrations and how the words act as illustrations, is great.
I like this book! I think it does a great job of explaining why we can see our reflections in mirrors and why we cannot see our reflections in other objects, such as a sweater. It does a good job of explaining scientific material in language which children can understand.
I would read this book in my classroom. I also think following this book, we could do some experiments with reflection of light.

[Rachel Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I See Myself" by Vicki Cobb is talking about how mirrors and light work together in order for us to see our reflections. This book talks about how the words act as illustrations and is very well written.
I enjoyed reading this book and think it does a great job of explaining why we can see our reflections in mirrors and why we cannot see our reflections in other objects. It does a good job of explaining scientific material in language which children can understand.
I would read this book in my classroom and do a fun activity that goes a long with it.

[Cassie Houck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks all about how mirrors work and why we see ourselves when we look into them.

I loved this book because it went into detail about how light bounces off smooth and shiny object and into our eyes so that we can see them.

I would definitely use this book as a read aloud for a science lesson and then do an experiment that is basically set up for the reader in the book.

[Maddie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book for a science lesson about reflection and light!
I think students would love this book! They would be attracted to all the information and its easy to grasp!
I would definitely use this book in my classroom! It brings science to life and I think that is NEEDED in classrooms today!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cool way for young children to learn about how mirrors work. This is a very hands-on, inquiry-based series that gets kids to actually do experiments to find out why things are the way they are. Very cool!

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great way to teach students about reflection and light. The students can walk around the class and write down the things that show their reflection. After reading this book, the students will see light in a whole new way.

[Kaylee Warzecha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for explaining how mirrors and lights bouncing off surfaces work. The illustrations show how it works and do a great job of it. This book also makes it an interactive learning process. Would be a great book to use for teaching. (nonfiction)