Basher Science: Technology: A byte-sized world!

by Simon Basher, Simon Basher (Illustrator), Dan Green

Overview

From the bestselling illustrator whose friendly take on science has revolutionized our understanding of everything from the periodic table to the universe, comes a fresh take on technology as only Basher can do it. Discover the secrets behind the devices we take for granted, and learn about the amazing inventions that have transformed our lives. From the Movers and Shakers who power our physical world, to the Gizmos, Home Bodies, and High Rollers who power our vehicles, entertainment, and smartphones—and pretty much everything else around us—Technology is a compelling guide to the big-bytes whiz-kids, powerhouse motors, and other characters who drive our inventive, highly engineered world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780753468197
Publisher:	Kingfisher
Publication date:	07/17/2012
Series:	Basher Science Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 7.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Simon Basher is the creator and illustrator of The Periodic Table, Physics, Biology, and Astronomy. His characters bridge the gap between edgy Manga and the cuteness of Hello, Kitty!

 

Dan Green wrote Basher’s Physics, Biology, Astronomy and Rocks and Minerals. He studied Geology at Cambridge University.

Artist and designer Simon Basher has fun playing in the world of contemporary character design. Inspired by a love of simple line work and a rich colour palette, his characters fill the gap between edgy Manga and the cuteness of Hello Kitty!

Editorial Reviews

More hip pop-art science from Basher and Green, though here the collaborators may have "bytten" off more than they can chew. They lead off with a tribute to "that ancient Greek brainiac" Archimedes, the only inventor who gets more than a quick name-drop. Then, portrait-gallery–style, the team introduces several dozen personified machines from "Wheel and Axle" ("Hey there, let's start this thing rollin'!") to "Radar" and "Rocket." Household appliances like "Toilet" and (landline) "Telephone" also step up to the mike, as do such basic materials as "Concrete" and "Plastic," as well as high-tech wizardry including "User Interface" and "Internet." Each subject introduces itself with a pair of paragraphs over a trio of unrelated facts, while Basher provides for each a stylized, considerably simplified cartoon portrait anthropomorphized by a smiling white face with slanted, slit eyes. Though readers will come away at least exposed to terms like "thermosetting" and "laser sintering," Green's facts aren't always kosher--"once defunct," says Satellite, "we move to a graveyard orbit"--or even comprehensible ("World's most efficient gas turbine: 60%."). Furthermore, despite statements from "Smart Card" and "Particle Accelerator" not all of the entries are so cutting-edge; the "Cell Phone," for instance, only makes phone calls and sends texts. A quick skim; flashy though not particularly nourishing. (foldout poster) (Nonfiction. 10-12)

Kirkus Reviews

Part of the "Basher Science" series, Technology is a quick and bright introduction to various technological marvels used in the modern world. The book is divided into various sections, including "Movers ?n' Shakers," "Groovy Gizmos," and "Gearheads and Power Freaks," and within the chapters each item receives its own page, which features a general description, some quick facts, and a stylistic anthropomorphized illustration of the material or object. Topics covered include simple tools like levers and pulleys, to more complex technologies, such as fiber optics, 3D printing, and rockets. Young technology buffs will be attracted by the bright and engaging illustrations, but students looking for more in-depth information will want to find other books. The descriptions are short, even for the most complicated subjects, words that students would not understand are often left without a satisfactory definition, and the author's use of fun language often leaves the reader with a muddled comprehension of the topic. Overall, this title would be beneficial as an entertaining and quick reference source, but readers looking for a deeper understanding of the workings of these technologies will also want to seek out outside sources. Reviewer: Caitlin Marineau

Children's Literature - Caitlin Marineau