Cars, Bikes, Trains: and Other Land Machines (How Things Work)

Children will learn how wheels make moving easier, why some cars use gasoline and others use diesel, and what the inside of a locomotive looks like.

Grade 3-5-- The subjects of wheeled vehicles and floating machines are treated in omnibus fashion in these two useful but densely packed titles. A one-page illustrated timeline of "famous firsts" and an introduction are followed by spreads depicting such topics as "Drum and Disc Brakes" or "Hydrofoils." Sidebars focus on particular aspects, such as (in Boats ) knots, water jets, ballast; and (in Cars ) friction, combustion, or compression. Several boxes present things to do, such as making a water-jet boat from a balloon and a large plastic bottle. These "Test It Out" projects are more inviting in Boats than in Cars , which merely illustrate principles without rewarding children with toys as well. Full-color diagrams are labeled, and line drawings and closeups detail the workings of these machines. Technical vocabulary is defined and reused, making the books challenging for readers used to sampling rather than reading front to back. While the loaded format and choppy text precludes much reading aloud, these titles serve casual browsers and committed enthusiasts. --Susan Hepler, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.