11/01/2015
Gr 1–3—These introductions to techno-wonders that most children are likely to encounter (submarines perhaps excepted) illustrate simple but not simplistic explanations of major functions and components with bright color photos and easy-to-comprehend labeled cutaway views. Lightbulbs, for example, not only illuminates the inner workings of the incandescent bulb (and some of its predecessors) but LEDs and CFLs, too. Each volume closes with a time line and a project ranging in challenge level from a soda bottle "submarine" to a basic paper airplane. Each also broadens its central topic with looks at special use variants, such as, in Toilets, a space toilet. VERDICT Newly independent readers will find any of these selections good first steps toward understanding the inner workings of their technological world.
