Birth of an Island

Birth of an Island, by Millicent E. Selsam, describes how an island is created. An Island is created by a volcano erupting. The lava goes higher and higher until it breaks the surface of the water. Over time the lava breaks apart and turns into softer ground. Next, millions of different types of bacteria and spores are blown onto the island by the wind. Then, different types of plants start to grow on the Island. Once there are plants on the island, insects can survive. Seeds such as coconuts float on the ocean and arrive at the island and start to grow. Birds now come to the island because they can eat the insects and plants. More animals then come to the island like mice, snakes, and lizards. Some of the animals come to the island on branches, logs, and debris. The authors' purpose is to inform the reader. The visuals the author included in the book help me understand how an island is created. I was surprised when I learned that animals get to new islands by floating on logs on the ocean. Imagine going through shark-infested waters just to get to an island. I normally don't like science, but on this occasion I did.