It Happens in Seconds

"Gr 1-3–This series presents a subject that some kids find tricky in a way that may be easier to grasp. Each volume provides real-life, clearly written explanations and strong visuals to help convey potentially confusing concepts around time. Each title displays a colorful graph featuring various units of time that clearly shows how each unit relates to and connects with the others in terms of numerical unit. Each volume also sets out, in words and pictures, relatable examples to help readers figure out how to measure the specific time unit under discussion. Referents include photos and other images, like calendar pages. Back matter includes a glossary with pronunciation guides, a content quiz, a bibliography, a list of resources for further learning, and an index.

VERDICT: Recommended for schools and public library collections."
--School Library Journal, April 1, 2026

"Each selection from the Learning About Time series presents simple text and visuals about a different unit of time, how to measure it, and what can happen in various multiples of that unit of time. Days shows how days are measured with a clock, a calendar, and Earth’s motion and also presents examples of several natural and human events—such as a chick hatching and the celebration of the Chinese New Year —that are measured in days. Minutes explains how long a minute lasts and uses a stop-watch diagram to illustrate events that can happen in one or more minutes; for example, light from the sun takes about eight minutes to reach Earth. Months uses calendars, seasons, holidays, and a somewhat-confusing diagram of the lunar cycle to show how months mark time. Years uses calendars, Earth’s orbit of the sun, and seasons to mark one year and also highlights events that happen at yearly intervals or over a number of years. The text is illustrated with simple diagrams of clocks and calendars and with large, bright stock photos. The books include tips for reading nonfiction with beginning readers, which include previewing some of the standard text features in the book, such as the table of contents, glossary, index, and images. The back matter also includes a brief quiz and lists several books and websites for additional reading. A helpful, no-frills introduction to the nonfiction format and units of time.—Miriam Aronin, Booklist Online, September 2026