Amazon.com

"Is it a fact--or have I dreamt it--that, by means of electricity, the world of matter has become a great nerve, vibrating thousands of miles in a breathless point of time?" If you, like Nathaniel Hawthorne, are kept up at night wondering about how things work--from electricity to can openers--then you and your favorite kids shouldn't be a moment longer without David Macaulay's The New Way Things Work. The award-winning author-illustrator--a former architect and junior high school teacher--is perfectly poised to be the Great Explainer of the whirrings and whizzings of the world of machines, a talent that landed the 1988 version of The Way Things Work on the New York Times bestsellers list for 50 weeks. Grouping machines together by the principles that govern their actions rather than by their uses, Macaulay helps us understand in a heavily visual, humorous, unerringly precise way what gadgets such as a toilet, a carburetor, and a fire extinguisher have in common.

The New Way Things Work boasts a richly illustrated 80-page section that wrenches us all (including the curious, bumblingwooly mammoth who ambles along with the reader) into the digital age of modems, digital cameras, compact disks, bits, and bytes. Readers can glory in gears in "The Mechanics of Movement," investigate flying in "Harnessing the Elements," demystify the sound ofmusic in "Working with Waves," marvel at magnetism in "Electricity & Automation," andexamine e-mail in "The Digital Domain." An illustrated survey of significant inventions closes the book, along with a glossary of technical terms, and an index. What possible link could there be between zippers and plows, dentist drills and windmills? Parking meters and meat grinders, jumbo jets and jackhammers, remote control and rockets, electric guitars and egg beaters? Macaulay demystifies them all. (Click to see asample spread of this book, illustrations and text copyright 1998 David Macaulay, Neil Ardley, published by Houghton Mifflin Co.) (All ages) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (21)

The New Way Things Work
This is the best book for childern and adults I have ever read. I recieved "The Way Things Work" When I was in 4th grade. Now I have this newer version. My classmates and I both used it during my College Mechanical Engineering Classes. Everyone can learn from this book it is not just for kids but really belongs on every childs bookshelf.

This book really tells you how things work!
Do you think you know how a lot of things work? Yes? Well, you are probably wrong. I am a Physics Major in college and I thought I knew how a lot of things work. However, when I found this book in my physics professor's office, I fell in love with this book. I ordered for my copy on the same day. This book is good for the kids, but some of the stuff is hard to understand because there are some words like forces or angles. These are hard to understand for kids, but the pictures in this book are good for the curious kids. They may understand some of the stuff. But, I would rate this book for grownups. You will learn how locks work, how airplanes fly, how helicopters can go forward or backward. You will understand the mechanics just by looking at the pictures, but the reading the explanations also helps you understand. This is a nice book to keep at the corner of your bookshelf.

An Absolute Need for Every Household
Few books can compare to "The Way Things Work" in the amount which they can teach the curious. Be they old or young, college educated engineers or preschoolers, everyone can pick something out of this book. Trust me; I've seen it from all ends.

When I was six, I loved the mammoths...and learned about simple machines and airplane wings. When I was in high school, I appreciated the mammoths' wit...and learned about automatic transmissions and transistors. Now that I'm in college, I've read the whole thing, and it's still a great reference book, just as entertaining and informative as it was so many years ago. And the mammoths are still funny.

For kids with insatiable curiosity, "The Way Things Work" can be a great and entertaining resource; for everyone who's ever wondered how their car drives, or why their computer works, or how satellite communications happen, it can be an immensely satisfying read.

Good book, but not for the very young
I bought this book for a boy of the age of 8. He didn't seem very interested in the text explanations of how things work. Perhaps he's a little young, but like other reviewers said, this is a book that can most definately be put on the shelf for several years and still have relevance when a few years of knowledge is gained.

BUY THIS BOOK!
My god, this has to be one of my favorite books. When I was a kid, I was FASCINATED (well, I still am) by mechanical things. I must have checked this book out of the library twenty times, and it never got old. It is PACKED with info, the drawings are great, and it is very educational. Well, I was at the library today checking out books for a mechanical engineering class, and there it was on the shelf. I checked it out again for old times sake, and here I am at Amazon.com (to buy my very own copy of course), writing a reveiew. Nuff said. Anyway, if you have a child, boy or girl, old or young, smart or not, it doesn't matter- this book ROCKS! ... Read more

Amazon.com

From the depths of the deep blue sea to the mysterious world of space,robots are up to the task of exploring, traveling, saving lives, or making lifeeasier for human beings. David Eckhold's Ultimate Robot Kit makes life awhole lot more fun for human beings! This giant kit includes almost everythingneeded to construct four amazing robots, as well as a 24-page "Robot File,"which explains the origins of robots, how they work, and how they are going tochange our lives. Twelve instruction cards offer clear step-by-step directionsto create the marvelous BounceBot, CreepycrawlyBot, KnotBot, and GobbleBot.Sturdy, simple cardboard and plastic components allow children to design andbuild working mechanical models quickly and easily, while they discover theessential robot skills of mobility, manipulation, programming, and intelligence.Building the first four bots gives kids the know-how to design a robot to theirown specifications, and might even put these future engineers on a thrillingcareer path! (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Birthday Present!
I got this kit about a month ago for my 14th birthday. The parts are a little hard to work with but with a little patience I had no trouble making everything work just like it was supposed to work. I still tinker with it and I am going to enter it as my science fair project. I like robots!

Perfect gift for youngsters
Our son got this toy for his 10th birthday from his grandparents. We had all seen some of the poor reviews it received so we weren't too sure it would be a good choice. However, our son and his almost 9 year-old sister love it. My son takes care of his toys, and this robot is durable enough for him, but it's not the kind of toy to get really rough with. Our son enjoyed it so much that we decided to donate six more kits to his school!

Its an ok kit
The kit was some what educational. I think that the parts were too cheap. I made almost all of the robots and the only one i liked was bounce bot because of the object avoidance technigue.
I think that the kit should have had real electric switches.
It takes alot of patience to build the robots. I hope the author who made the kit uses the better parts next time he makes a kit.

*****
A fun book. The designs definitely require patience, but they're a great learing and bonding experience.

Robot Fun
I assembled the Gobblebot with no trouble at all, and it rolls across my floor like a bat...However, the antenna "switch" does not work at all. Three members of the family have tried and failed to get this "switch" to turn the motor off. As long as the battery is in the holder and the wires are connected, the motor is on and the wheels turn. Bottom line: colorful though somewhat flimsy parts; clear and easy instructions; switch frustration; otherwise, fun to play with.
I look forward to assembling my next bot. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Do you know that right now 16.5 tons of air are pressing on your body?Or that with a simple experiment you can "see" a hole in the middle of yourhand? Have you ever tried turning a bucket of water upside down without thewater falling out? With DK's remarkable introduction to science, young readerscan learn many of the most important principles of chemistry and physics--andhave a whole lot of fun while they're at it. This big, handsome volume containsmore than 60 hands-on projects testing key scientific theories in magnetism,gravity, liquid density, sound vibrations, the laws of reflection, and muchmore. In addition, the book features information about famous scientists, newtechnological advances, and basic theories behind everyday objects andactivities. Gorgeous photos and clear, step-by-step instructions make this alearning experience budding young scientists won't mind a bit. Don't be fooled,though. Every page is packed with accurate, up-to-date information, and readersare encouraged to take their scientific exploration beyond the limits of thiswell-organized book. (Ages 10 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Shows younger folks just how much amazing fun science can be
Ideal for both classroom and homeschool curriculum supplementation, The Way Science Works is an exciting introduction for young readers to the deductive process of science and the marvels that mankind has discovered about the natural world. Offering more than sixty experiments and hands-on projects suitable for budding scientists age 10 and older (with safety precautions detailed where needed), The Way Science Works offers a fascinating glimpse into everything from the workings of the atom to understanding the true nature of gravity, to optical illusions and magnetism. Hundreds of excellent color photographs illustrate this superbly organized instructional reference. Although filled with fascinating revelations which would appeal to readers of all ages, The Way Science Works is particularly geared to show younger folks just how much amazing fun science can be! ... Read more

Book Description

Whether playing at defending their own castle or simply chucking pumpkins over a fence, wannabe marauders and tinkerers will become fast acquainted with Ludgar, the War Wolf, Ill Neighbor, Cabulus, and the Wild Donkey-ancient artillery devices known commonly as catapults. Re-creating these simple yet sophisticated machines introduces fundamentals of math and physics using levers, force, torsion, tension, and traction. Instructions and diagrams illustrate how to build seven authentic working model catapults, including an early Greek ballista, a Roman onager, and the apex of catapult technology, the English trebuchet. Additional projects include learning how to lash and make rope and how to construct and use a hand sling and a staff sling. The colorful history of siege warfare is explored through the stories of Alexander the Great and his battle of Tyre; Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and the Third Crusade; pirate-turned-soldier John Crabbe and his ship-mounted catapults; and Edward I of England and his battle against the Scots at Stirling Castle. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book for those with a Backyard
I was really impressed with this book while sitting sipping a cup of coffee. Wondering to myself, how could I use this to have fun with my family if we lived in a space with, of all things, space.

This book not only shows how to make catapults of various types. It goes into the history of how the catapult was made or as it transformed throughout history. There are short vignettes about various historical subjects surrounding seizes throughout time and what types of catapults were used, what they looked like and how to build something like it using easy to but materials.

This is a fun book for the hobbyist who likes to tinker with things and how has a flair for fun projects (or projectiles for that matter.) I will buy this book when I get a place and I hope it sells for those who want to work with their kids on a fun project.

The Art of the Catapult is a fun romp....if you liked Lord of The Rings, you will like this book, putting catapults in perspective.

A note from the Author
Here is some additional information for prospective readers and buyers of Art of the Catapult, from the book's author.

This book has been written for readers aged 9 to adult, although younger readers will enjoy many of the projects if they have adult assistance.

Note: Adults will enjoy this book as well. As of the time this note is written, Amazon describes this book as written for readers aged 9 to 12. This is not correct, as adult readers will find it written for them as well.

The largest catapult project is a traction powered (human powered) catapult that can throw a water balloon or similar item a very long way! Most of the projects are somewhat smaller. Buy this book and enjoy throwing your weight around! ... Read more

Book Description

From making an earthworm farm to launching a plastic bottle rocket, here's hours of fun for curious kids ages 8 to 12. Plus, kids learn a lot of science with the 250 simple-to-perform activities in this book. In half an hour or less, using only readily available materials like bottle caps and liquid detergent , kids can try experiments that demonstrate real laws of chemistry and physics, principles of animal and plant biology, geology, meteorology (the study of weather), and astronomy. This well-illustrated, best of the best collection from McGraw-Hill's popular "Science for Kids" series also gives kids help putting together a science fair project. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good for a beginning homeschooler for science
This book has very many things to do for science, but we have been homeschooling for 10 years, so there was nothing new in it for us! If you are new to teaching or homeschooling this may be just what you need though. It is very nicely laid out and easy to understand. ... Read more

Book Description

The Uncover series combines the best elements of a book with model elements to help readers truly "uncover" the mysteries of what makes things work. A fascinating three-dimensional presentation allows in-depth, hands-on exploration of the subject at hand. This unique "model" is easily built, deconstructed and re-built layer by layer, system by system just by turning a page, until an understanding of the topic is achieved. The complexities of the human body can be daunting, particularly for children. This book-model combination takes some of the mystery out of how the body works. It covers all the major systems and processes. Children get to look at each system on a different page, then by closing the book, combine them into a whole. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Visible Person!
Remember the great "Visible Man" and "Visible Woman" anatomical model kits by Revell? After several hours or days of careful painting, gluing and assembling, you had a human figure with clear plastic skin, through which were visible the skeleton and internal organs. Best of all, you could remove the chest plate and remove those insides to study how they all fitted together. It was one of the coolest model kits ever, and an invaluable anatomical reference for the budding surgeon or the medically curious. It was also a tempting target for little hands.
Well, Uncover the Human Body, written by Luann Colombo and illustrated by a host of artists, safely satisfies the curiosity of the owners of those little hands, and also delights their parents (or in this case, uncle) with its clever construction and wealth of useful and fascinating information. Each page is made of sturdy cardboard, and the entire center of the book is cut out in the shape of a human figure. Suspended within this cutout by support rods of clear plastic are parts of the skeleton and the various organ systems (minus the reproductive system) - eight layers in all, including the front cover. It's based on the same concept as those acetate pages in an encyclopedia that show human anatomy, but in this case the body parts are sculpted in the round from plastic, affording an even more coherent view of just how all those "guts" fit together inside your body. It even includes the musculature of the left arm and leg.
The text is well-researched and clearly-written with children in mind. It can be read aloud to younger children, and those who already read well can enjoy it on their own. The fact entries have humorous titles, such as "Gimme Some Skin!" and "Of All the Nerve!" Difficult words are italicized and followed by pronunciation guides. The scientific names for body functions are paired with the more commonly-used terms with which children may already be familiar. It contains fun little experiments children can do with little or no supervision, such as the de-calcification of a chicken bone in vinegar and a recipe for fake blood.
However, this is not strictly kid stuff. I've been an armchair anatomist for decades, and yet I learned things from the text that were never quite clear to me or that simply had not been addressed in my studies. (For example, the exact purpose of the small intestine; atlas and axis vertebrae; lobes of the lungs; that when you feel thirsty, you're already a little dehydrated, etc.)
A few words of caution: the book does contain small plastic parts that could be broken or ripped out, so keep it out of reach of children under three years or who tend to break their toys. Also, the model is not intended to be removed from the book, and would not fit together properly without the support of the pages anyway. These caveats aside, Uncover the Human Body makes a great gift for children who are endlessly fascinated by the body and how it works. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Want to get a battle-droid's-eye view of the inside of an AAT battle tank? Care to see what Darth Maul's hiding in the trunk of his sinister-looking Sith Infiltrator? You're in luck: the crew that brought us the super-cool Star Wars Visual Dictionary and the Incredible Cross-Sections for the first movie trilogy is back. Boy wonder archaeologist-author David West Reynolds has put together another Incredible Cross-Sections guide, this time pulling apart the vehicles and vessels in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. DK has mastered the art of making Star Wars fans drool, and this latest guide is definitely state of the art, opening up everything from Naboo starfighters to Trade Federation transports.

As always, Reynolds approaches the Star Wars universe with the respect and love of a fan, putting each ship in context with his characteristic friendly but scientific style. The clean chromium lines and meticulous wiring of Queen Amidala's Royal Starship reflect the order and honor of Naboo royalty; the flowing, shell-like details on a tribubble bongo sub show off the Gungans' organic aesthetic. The best ships, of course, belong to the bad guys: you can check out the secret weapons and cloak field generator packed aboard Maul's Infiltrator (which, we learn, has an "experimental" ion engine that will later put the I-E in TIE fighters), and the Trade Federation's droid starfighter and control ship get a full giant fold-out. From the "bunker-buster" high explosive shells spit out by an AAT to the flame emitter weapon on Sebulba's podracer, this inside-out tour makes all the stops you want it to. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (67)

A Dream for Technophiles!
Where do I start? This book is amazing! I am a full fledged Star Wars fan, but since I don't own Fort Knox, I can't afford to buy all of the merchandise. As a result I have to be extremely picky about which items I purchase. I had only to see the Millennium Falcon drawing on the cover, and I was hooked!

I have read The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels, but I found the information contradictory to previously published material, and a bit amateurish. Incredible Cross Sections does such a well-thought-out job, and is worded so well, that you almost forget these things don't exist! The gate-fold spread of the Death Star is absolutely incredible! The detail is also carefully executed, right down to the gold-foil insulation on the air ducts in the Millennium Falcon. Everything a Star Wars Technophile could want is in this book. I highly recommend buying the companion book as well: The Star Wars Visual Dictionary.

All I can say is, More! I would love to see another edition of this book containing some of the other vehicles.

Highly Recommended!

The Star Wars Universe has gotten bigger...and better!
I'm a big fan of the Incredible cross-sections books. I've read through all of the other cross-sections books for Star Wars, and when the edition for Attack Of The Clones came out I had to read it. Not only did it live up to my expectations, but it surpassed them. It is richly illustrated and has great information on most of the new vehicles from the Trade Federation Core Ship to the Republic Assault Ship to the revamped Slave 1. I highly recommend this book to those who love Star Wars. And even if you are a huge fan of the films it still makes for some good reading.

Very Detailed UnlessReallyinto Vehicles May Prefer Dictionar
Unless You are really, really obsessed with the star wars ships and other vehicles you are probably better off to purchase the visual directory by the same author. The directory has more pages and is more interesting as it looks at all the characters, creatures, weapons and everything else as well as the ships although the ships and vehicles are not in as much detail as the ones in this book.

The detail in this book is very extensive, so if you are fascinated by Star Wars vehicles then this is definitely the book for you. If you wanted a broader picture of the whole Star Wars world then get the dictionary instead. If your a huge Star Wars fan then you'll probably want both.

Yeap Dad this is a good one.
Ep 2's turn to have it's spaceships and other craft pulled apart and exposed in all their glory. Once again the foldout format is still the best and great for childern and grownups alike.

This Is Wizzard Anni!!!
This edition is devoted to the Spaceships and Craft from The Phantom Menace.

As with Star Wars Cross Sections it is very well detailed and even better with todays print technology. Great for children and first generation Star Wars fans alike. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must read Book !!!!
This fascinating book is different from other science book.It has many, many different experiments and projects to try out. From building a escalator to making a simple computer...That really works!! Each experiment is clearly photographed step by step , it is so ever easy to follow them! This book is a must. If you enjoyed this book, why not try the others? You won't regret.

great mind expansion
My kids always want to know why or how something happens. This is a great book for them to look at (marvelous pictures) and for us to select projects from that explain some of the stuff mom and dad don't know. My seven and ten year old can read and understand the vocabulary without getting lost in any scientific jargon. A great help for classroom project, science fair entries, long summer days or rainy weekends. ... Read more

Book Description

This classic, award-winning, bestselling science activity book has a fresh new look and updated information for 2000. Its the biggest and best collection of science activities for children 6-14 years. Its jam-packed with more than 450 ideas, attention-getters, projects, experiments, games, puzzles, and stories. All areas of science are coveredmatter and energy; the human body; the environment; rocks; plants; animals; insects; weather; stars and planets; and technology.

It's for PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS: Heres your answer to all the questions children ask and all the wonders they want to explorefrom gigantic bubbles to a mini-volcano, to the mysteries of the universe to the wonders of the insect world. Includes science fair project ideas!

It's for TEACHERS: This is the ultimate, hands-on educational resource to enrich and support any curriculum, from elementary grades to high school. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) rates "Science Is..." as an "excellent" book.

"Science Is..." is truly easy to use, with plenty of background information and engaging cartoons and illustrations. All the activities have been tested and require only readily-available, inexpensive materials. Activities range in length from the popular "Quickies" to projects that can be done over several days or weeks. There are also plenty of fascinating factsdid you know that a cockroach can live for nine days without its head?

A Using This Book section provides practical information on guiding and encouraging children in science. The Other Resources listing has been completely updated to help you find other quality books and useful organizations.

"Science Is..." is a terrific value that takes children through years of thought-provoking adventures!

"This book belongs in every home, every classroom. The definitive motherlode book to turn children on to the adventure of science." (Childsplay Magazine)

"An innovative book . . . Youngsters will be intrigued by the exciting activities crammed into this book." (Todays Parent)

"Once in a while, a book comes along which everyone should have. Consider this a treasure whose time has come. This book is a must!" (Science Education InternationalICASE)

"A gold mine of activities. Highly recommended!" (California Classroom Science) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Highly recommend this book for demos and Science Club
I used this book for Science Club for years and found it invaluable. I would highly recommend it for any teacher who runs Science Club or needs a supply of demos. Invaluable!

Leagues above most activity books
I am so glad to discover this book is still available. It's far more comprehensive and intelligent than so many other activity books. Laid out clearly, with activities in various realms of knowledge that offer numerous variations so a parent could conceivably use this one book throughout a child's school years. I can't imagine a child not discovering the joys of science (broadly defined) when a parent introduces him or her to some of these delightful activities. The best thing about the book is that so many of the ideas don't require vast preparation, but can be done spur-of-the-moment.

Someone stole my copy!
I've used this book for several years as a teacher, and found it gone from my bookshelf. It's great. It has everything. And it's written well and clearly. A very eclectic collection, but sound.

Creative, inexpensive ideas
I've used many of the activities. Either as a demo, as a "set" or for students to do. The materials needed for the activities are inexpensive. The ideas presented in the book are creative and allow you to spend more "brain power" on other things. It includes all areas of science, no matter what you teach, it can fit in. I've used it for 9th and 10th and don't feel it is too "elementary". It's worth the money.

The best for quick, fun hands on science
I have used this book a thousand times!! It spans ages, learning styles, and settings. Chances are, you will see that science is fun. As an educator, I HIGHLY recommend it to other educators, especially those who would like stronger science component. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the fascinating history of submarines and submersibles, from the first workable designs of the 16th century to Cold War vessels armed with nuclear missiles. This guide, created in association with the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum, illustrates the technology used to build and navigate submarines and the many ways they are used today. ... Read more

Book Description

The original and still the best, the IRA Children's Choice Book Incredible Cross-Sections is available again--now at a lower price! Spread after spread of amazing, original cross-section drawings take readers inside 18 of the world's most fascinating structures--from the Empire State Building to the Hale Observatory. And two of the remarkable illustrations--the Queen Mary and the Flying Scotsman
steam train--fold out to a length of nearly three feet! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of a Great Series
Illustrator Stephen Biesty carved out his own niche in books by grabbing a concept and doing it well, over and over again. The concept was to take well-known but complex things, like locomotives, ocean liners, airliners, castles, churches, and the space shuttle, and make them more understandable by giving a series of drawings, for each object, showing what that object would look like if it were sliced in sections. Kind of sounds like an MRI in medicine! The drawings are bright, colorful, and extremely detailed. With each item, there is a short, clearly-written description of the object and some of its aspects. These books make great gifts for older kids, who will get a kick out of the fact that most items show the bathrooms in use, and don't be surprised if an adult or two peeks at the book several times.

Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross Sections
Wow! This book is really great! From opera houses to medieval cathedrals and castles, this incredible book of cross sections pinpoints every last detail! It shows all the different parts, what they are used for, and tons more! Buy this book today. You won't be disappointed.

incredible book a bit dated
Who of us can't remember the excitement of looking at some wonderful building or structure and wondering *what was going on in there*? Stephen Biesty deserves an entry in Who's Who for thinking of this wonderful format for readers who wonder. This is a wonderful and exciting book for older kids and adults who are curious about how things work behind-the-scenes. While it can be tricky for younger children to envision how the objects go back together, there will ample material for others to enjoy. Eighteen human-made objects are cross-sectioned: a castle, an observatory, a galleon, ocean liner and submarine, a coal mine, military tank, oil rig, cathedral, jumbo jet and car factory, a helicopter, an opera house, a steam train and a subway station, a fishing trawler, the Empire State Building and the space shuttle. The sections are filled with defining activity, and Richard Platt's accompanying text is informative and amusing.

First published in 1992, this book is also a fascinating testament to the breathtaking pace of change we experience. Many of the objects have changed a great deal in the past decade, so this is more a snapshot of one era's mechanisms than a blueprint of state-of-the-art technology. For that reason the book succeeds spectacularly with historic objects such as the castle and galleon, and only slightly less so with outdated items like the tank and helicopter.

If you are interested in how things work, these unique views of engineering marvels in operation will thrill you.

This is a great book.
This is a great book. Its full good info, great drawings and over all fun for all ages. Younger kids might have trouble seeing how the draws go back together on a few.

A must have for the learning child in your family.
I must say that this is one of the most interesting books to look at. Not only does it give interesting facts it gives you great pirctures. This book takes structures and cross-sects them so you can see everything inside. A midevil castle shown to you from all angles, the rooms and infromation on it. Everything you can think of from a castle, cathedral, and opera house to a observatory, car factory, and space shuttle. This is definatly a must have. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent introduction to special effects
Ok, so I'm not 9-12 years old (the book's target audience), I'm almost 30 and I still enjoyed this book tremendously. It has awesome illustrations to show the techniques used in various effects like robotics, miniature models, etc. The explainations are easy to understand too. This book took the mystery out of the state-of-art special fx with recent blockbuster movies as examples. For an introduction to special effects, it's excellent. ... Read more

Book Description

Take a detailed look at the fascinating world of robots - from the earliest single-task machines to the advanced intelligence of robots with feelings. Young readers will be amazed to learn all that robots can do: perform delicate surgical operations, clean city sewers, work as museum tour guides, or even battle each other in combat. Find out how humans have created these mechanical minds and bodies. ... Read more

Book Description

A unique collection of amazing views of the world by Stephen Biesty.

Machines, ships, buildings, and the human body as you've never seen. This unique collection of extraordinary illustrations by artist Stephen Biesty explores machines, building, ships, and even the human body from the inside out. From the Grand Canyon to the Space Shuttle, Biesty's amazingly detailed cross-section views take you right inside to reveal how things work or how things are made. See how a 14th-century castle holds up against a siege, and what life would have been like inside a World War II submarine. Learn how 18th-century warships battled on the high seas and what life is like on a space station. Discover how everyday things are made, from false teeth to Formula 1 racing cars and what holds up to the Empire State Building.

Author and illustrator team Richard Platt and Stephen Biesty's first collaboration Incredible Cross-Sections went straight to the top of the best-seller list. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It REALLY IS the Coolest Cross-Sections Ever!
We absolutely love this book and so glad it is in our home library. It is on our coffee table and continually poured over. I think this book will be timeless in this family. We love the detail, the layout, the insight and depth it gives on a topic in such an approachable way. Beautifully illustrated and presented. I think it deserves more than just 5 points. It is a winner.

One in a Great Series
Illustrator Stephen Biesty carved out his own niche in books by grabbing a concept and doing it well, over and over again. The concept was to take well-known but complex things, like ships, machines, geological formations, and the human body, and make them more understandable by giving a series of drawings, for each object, showing what that object would look like if it were sliced in sections. Kind of sounds like an MRI in medicine! The drawings are bright, colorful, and extremely detailed. With each, there is a short, clearly-written description of the object and some of its aspects. These books make great gifts for older kids, who will get a kick out of the fact that most items show the bathrooms in use, and don't be surprised if an adult or two peeks at the book several times. ... Read more

Book Description

How do planes stay up in the air? What are all those knobs, gizmos and gauges in the cockpit? How do you fly a plane?

A pilot answers these and other questions in this lively memoir written to his grandson after their flight together in his home-built biplane. Bright watercolor sketches and playful photographs capture the fun and excitement of flying in an open-cockpit biplane above the green fields of Wisconsin. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A delightful picturebook about how planes stay up in the air
Author and illustrator Julie Grist's Flying: Just Plane Fun is a delightful picture book about how planes stay up in the air, the basics of flying, and what it's like to be a pilot or co-pilot. An adventurous read which is most especially recommended for young people with a budding interest in aircraft, aviation, and the mechanics and physics thereof, Flying: Just Plane Fun is an original and enthusiastically recommended addition for family, school, and community library collections.

i loved this book
This is a great book. Wheather you are intrested in flying or not you will love it. It takes you through an amazing adventure with a boy and his grandfather. It is great fun. you can read it over and over again and never get sick of it. It is very educational for both the parent and the child. The pictures and photographs are beautiful. If you have a child, boy or girl you should buy this book.

This book is great!!
I loved reading this book. It was very intresting and educational. It took me through an amazing adventure. The pictures and photography are really amazing and beautiful. I highly recommend reading buying this book. It will entertain you whatever the age. Whether you are intrested in flying or not you will injoy this book!!!!

This is a great book
I loved reading this book. It has great pictures and photography. It was also very well written. I learned a great deal about flying and was taken through an adventure with teh boy and his grandfather. This book is both enjoyable and educational. I highly reccomend buying this book!!!

John, age 11
This book is a masterpiece! The pictures are great and the writing is interesting and fun to read. Reading it got me interested in flying. ... Read more

Book Description

The Uncover series combines the best elements of a book with model elements to help readers truly "uncover" the mysteries of what makes things work. A fascinating three-dimensional presentation allows in-depth, hands-on exploration of the subject at hand. This unique "model" is easily built, deconstructed and re-built layer by layer, system by system just by turning a page, until an understanding of the topic is achieved. Explore the dynamics of a race car engine and learn about air flow and drag, safety equipment and roll cages, the fuel system and horsepower, suspension and track bars, and internal combustion. Interesting facts and experiments are also featured throughout the book including why race cars don't have speedometers, how roof flaps are designed like airplane wings, and the gas mileage on a stock car is about four miles per gallon. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Curriculum Tie-In
This book easily and clearly illustrates the concept of pulley, screw and lever. Simple machines have never been so easy to explain. The cute animals and the banana party they have help the students in my 3rd grade class to understand force and work. Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description

The switch goes up -- the light goes on,
The switch goes down -- the light goes off.

It seems like magic! It's not -- it's electricity. But how does a light actually work? In this clear and simple book learn all about electricity, how it's produced, and how it can be used. At the end you'll learn how to conduct fun experiments that will let you generate electricity yourself!

Reviews (2)

Terrific way to learn and explain electricity!
When I first opened the book, I thought it would be too young for my nine year old. To my surprise, it caught our attention and explained the puzzling mystery of electricity and currents in such a way that we both understood how it works. Reading this turned on the light of comprehension. I highly recommend this book to explain the process.

A good introduction to electricity for children.
I pulled this book out when my 5 year old asked me to explain how a light bulb works. The book addresses this subject and also goes on to explain, in simplist form, what electricity is, where it comes from and how we use it in our daily lives. It includes an easy experiement that shows how electricity is created. While my child was able to understand most of what was addressed, the introduction to atoms, electrons... was probably more than he needed right now. But the introduction of generators, wires, circuits and how electricity reaches our home was great. The story format, starting with turning on a light switch, kept him interested. ... Read more