General Books

The Way We Work

David Macaulay

Amazon Price: $23.10 List Price: $35.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books Amazon Marketplace: 58 new & used starting at $17.89

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( M ) -> Macaulay, David

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In this comprehensive and entertaining resource, David Macaulay reveals the inner workings of the human body as only he could. In order to present this complicated subject in an accurate and entertaining way, he put in years of research. He sat in on anatomy classes, dissections, and even reached inside the rib cages of two cadavers to compare their spleen sizes. He observed numerous surgeries, including a ten-hour procedure where a diseased pancreas was removed, as well as one where a worn-out old knee was replaced by a brand new one. This hands-on investigation gives Macaulay a unique perspective to lead his readers on a visual journey through the workings of the human body.

The seven sections within the book take us from the cells that form our foundation to the individual systems they build. Each beautifully illustrated spread details different aspects of our complex structure, explaining the function of each and offering up-close glimpses, unique cross-sections and perspectives, and even a little humor along the way. This one-of-a-kind book can serve as a reference for children, families, teachers, and anyone who has questions about how his or her body works. When readers see how David Macaulay builds a body and explains the way it works, they will come away with a new appreciation of the amazing world inside them.

Amazon Exclusive: Macaulay's Sketches for The Way We Work
(CLICK on Images to Enlarge)

Explore author-artist David Macaulay's creative imagination at work in this collection of intriguing early sketches for the book. Each drawing--which is rendered in colored pencils-- lays out the story of a different system of the body through surprising shifts of scale, color, texture, the insertion of figures, and other intriguing spatial relationships on the page.

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The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! (Everything Kids Series)

Tom Robinson

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Adams Media Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $3.75

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great teaching tool 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book contains a well rounded selection of projects for kids so they can experiment with a wide range of science topics. They are all easy to complete and understand and have a good specific message and illustrate scientific ideas very well.

Editorial Review:

The Everything "RM" Kids' series is being relaunched at a phenomenal new price! They're the same great quality you've come to expect, still packed with tons of activities and puzzles in two-color -- now with a lower price that everyone can appreciate! Stock up on these perennial bestsellers that keep your kids active and engaged. The wide scope of subject material -- from jokes to science experiments -- appeals to kids all across the country. And parents and teachers love that the books provide responsible, educational information, while being so much fun that the kids love learning! From discovering why a sunset is red, to becoming a young entrepreneur, to learning new jokes to keep the whole family laughing, kids really love these Everything "RM" Kids' books!

The New Way Things Work

David Macaulay

Amazon Price: $21.98 List Price: $35.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $15.04

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 37 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"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, bumbling wooly 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 of music in "Working with Waves," marvel at magnetism in "Electricity & Automation," and examine 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 a sample spread of this book, illustrations and text copyright 1998 David Macaulay, Neil Ardley, published by Houghton Mifflin Co.) (All ages) --Karin Snelson

From Caterpillar to Butterfly (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1)

Deborah Heiligman

Amazon Price: $5.99 List Price: $5.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperTrophy Amazon Marketplace: 65 new & used starting at $0.53

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Mom of two 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent book- my 3 & 5 yr. olds loved it, and it was easy enough for them to understand, yet descriptive enough that they were intrigued. We bought it in preparation for buying a butterfly habitat to watch the process ourselves. Great learning experience.

Loved this book. 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book with the butterfly graden and we gave it as a birthday present. By the time the caterpillars came in the mail she was so excited and she new everything that was going to happen. This was propbably the best birthday gift I could have given an animal loving child. I will give this gift over and over again.

From Caterpillar to Butterfly 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I am very much impressed with this series of books, as I have ordered 4 of them. Your service is great and I continue to enjoy doing business with you.

Editorial Review:

A caterpillar comes to school in a jar. The class watches the caterpillar each day as it grows and changes. Soon, it disappears into a hard shell called a chrysalis. Then the chrysalis breaks, and a beautiful butterfly flies out of the jar! This is a perfect beginner's guide to the mystery of metamorphosis.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1997 (NSTA/CBC)

A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations--and How You Can Find Them in the Sky

Michael Driscoll

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $12.39

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Science, Nature & How It Works -> Astronomy & Space -> Astronomy

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

great astronomy 101 for the middle school and older child 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

The subtitle of the book is the Story of the Stars, Planets and Constellations -- and How You Can Find Them in the Sky. It should read The Stars, The Planets, the Astronomers, the Universe and Everything. The books has definitions, factoids, readable text, stories, illustrations, pictures, a star wheel/star finder, stickers and everything that has anything to do with our world and our universe. Not for small children (too much text/ too much information), but the best introduction to astronomy I have seen for middle school and older children presented in a very very approachable/ user friendly format. Well done!

Editorial Review:

Children eight and up will enjoy this conversational but information-packed introduction to astronomy and stargazing, which includes the achievements of the great scientists, the history of space exploration, the story of our solar system, the myths behind the constellations, and how to navigate the night sky. Whimsical color illustrations on every page and handy definitions and sidebars help engage younger readers and develop their interest. The special star wheel helps locate stars and planets from any location at any time of year. This is the third in Black Dog & Leventhal's successful series including The Story of the Orchestra and A Child's Introduction to Poetry.

Kids Book of the Night Sky, The (Family Fun)

Ann Love, Jane Drake

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks By: Kids Can Press, Ltd. Amazon Marketplace: 10 new & used starting at $6.66

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Godsend for Educators 5 out of 5 stars.
23 of 23 people found this review helpful.

To Ann Love And Jane Drake
The wealth of information, the simple, clear layout and the activity ideas are a goldmine for anyone teaching Grade 6 Science and Language in Ontario. The book can be used on so many levels. I see its value as a quick reference, a source of non-fiction passages, a source of accessible, useful activities requiring easily available materials, a fascinating means for non-astronomer teachers to inform themselves quickly so that they can teach the material in an inspiring way to their classes. It is also a book that will excite any young person with a curiosity about the world around him.
You've filled a real need for educators with this book. I've bought one for myself and for two other teachers who will use it well.
THANK-YOU!
You're stars in MY book!

Editorial Review:

In this book in the Family Fun series, boys and girls will discover all the secrets the night sky holds. They can play games like "Night Sky I Spy," keep an astronomer's log and read about night sky myths. Star maps are included for each season -- so kids will know what to look for, when and where. Then as the sun goes down and the sky goes dark, they'll be ready for the night sky's all-star show.

Explorabook: A Kid's Science Museum in a Book (Klutz)

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Klutz - Model: 276 Amazon Marketplace: 98 new & used starting at $0.01

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

This was My First Science Book! 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 17 people found this review helpful.

I am 20 years old now and I still remember when I got this book and read it for the first time. It made science so cool and was a great way to show kids how science can be cool. I actually just found this book in a big stack and decided to look it up on Amazon. GREAT to hear they still sell it. I recommend this book to every kid!

My first science text book! 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Ah, EMS sold these for a short stint in the early 90s (1992 or so). This was such a great book for the beginning experimenter, in fact some topics have stuck in my mind and helped me on science topics i'll tackle later in life...e.g. noone in my AP chem class knew what 'agar' was!

Also my first science book, highly recommended. 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Like another reviewer, I recently found this on my shelf and was curious to see whether it was in print. I'm 22 now and must've been around 8 when I got it.

I'm in University now, studying software engineering, and I have to say that this book really spurred my interest in science. It comes with so many cool things, a magnet, agar, diffraction grating, and a fresnel lens.

Highly recommend this to parents, aunts, and uncles looking for an awesome gift for a youngster in the family. The kid won't be disappointed once they get into it after expecting an action figure or video game.

Editorial Review:

A hands-on science museum, squeezed between the covers of a book. Tons of experiments are featured, and nearly all of them can be done right on the spot, using the magnifying lens, magnet, agar and other bound-in apparatus. 100 pages. Full color. Awards: Parents' Choice Gold Award.Age: 8,9,10,11,12 Manufacturer: Klutz

Everything Kids’ Magical Science Experiments Book: Dazzle your friends and family by making magical things happen! (Everything Kids Series)

Tom Robinson

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Adams Media Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $3.60

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great for kids of all ages! 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

We have both books from this author and both are outstanding. The activities in this book are entertaining for both our kids. Almost every activity involves a creative experiment with materials found around the house. There are follow up questions for many of the experiments that make them science fair appropriate.

In general, though, the experiments in this book are good fun. It interesting to see what can be done with science!

This author has hit another home run!

Editorial Review:

Want to make things disappear? Change salt to sugar? Create slime using items found in your kitchen?

Well, with The Everything Kids' Magical Science Experiments Book, you can do just that--and more! Filled with more than 50 science experiments that bend the rules of time, space, and logic, The Everything Kids' Magical Science Experiments Book shows you how to unlock the mysteries of science and "magic" so you can:

• Create invisible ink
• Build a "genie in a bottle"
• Make a fog chamber
• Make a person stay seated, just by using your pinky finger
• Seal a punctured balloon with a penny
• Turn Mentos candy into soda

Packed with 30 highly conductive puzzles, The Everything Kids' Magical Science Experiments Book is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to make "magic"--with science!

The Amazing Pop-Up Geography Book (Amazing Pop-Ups)

Kate Petty

Amazon Price: $15.74 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dutton Juvenile Amazon Marketplace: 39 new & used starting at $13.83

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Contrary to popular belief, the earth is not flat. Therefore it stands to reason that a geography book should pop up, spin, and reveal the world's secrets in all its three-dimensional glory. This truly Amazing Pop-Up book, virtually exploding with action and visual stimulation, is divided into eight main categories: "Our Place in Space," "Sunshine," "Continents and Oceans," "Rivers and Mountains," "Countries," "Disaster!," "Journey Time," and "Who Lives Here?" Each page is jam-packed with flaps to lift, wheels to dial, tabs to pull, and exciting pop-ups. There's even an expandable globe hanging on an elastic string, so readers can take a closer look at Earth as they learn more about its components. Scientific, political, and geographical information is presented in an easy-to-absorb, lighthearted way, so even the reluctant geographer will have no problem mastering the basics and much more. Silly characters named Sonny Sun, Eartha Earth, the Quizmaster (a walrus in a top hat), Disastrous Dan, Julian Journey, and Otis Ocean guide readers through the pages, and encourage everyone to take good care of the world. This lively book is a terrific companion to Kate Petty and Jennie Maizels's other Amazing Pop-Up books: The Amazing Pop-Up Multiplication Book, The Amazing Pop-Up Grammar Book, and The Amazing Pop-Up Music Book. Death-defying paper mechanics and truly fascinating information about the universe ensure a happy surprise for children who've wondered if there isn't anything more to geography. (Ages 6 to 10) --Emilie Coulter

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice

Wendy Pfeffer

Amazon Price: $11.04 List Price: $16.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dutton Juvenile Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $8.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

How I like this story 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

(Review from 9 year old girl, dictated to mom)
A great book! With a great amount of knowledge.
This little book has science and history and is fun. I like this story so much, I want to read it every year while I am a child.

How nature fits into our Winter celebrations 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book after reading reviews here at Amazon and then previewing the book at our local library. I was looking for a picture book for my 6 year old that explains the Winter Solstice as well as the human traditions with which it is associated. This book fits the bill better than anything else I found, and the delightful illustrations are a nice bonus.

It may come as a surprise to many people that a book about Winter holidays does not mention Christmas or Hannukah. However, this book reaches back farther in time to festivals and celebrations based on natural phenomena that occur in the Winter (shorter days, plants losing leaves). These very early celebrations gave rise to many of the customs that we still follow (bringing evergreens into the home, giving gifts, lighting candles). I love the anthropological perspective (I'm trained in this field), and was thrilled to find the suggested activities at the end of the book for children to make simple scientific observations and hold a secular celebration of the Solstice.

This book would make a wonderful classroom resource as well as a read-aloud picture book to read as a family. It may be a bit too easy a read for children at a 2nd grade reading level or higher, but I enjoy the simplicity even as an adult. I also find the secular perspective refreshing. I understand that many Christians believe the only winter holiday of importance is the celebration of Christ's birth, but this book shows how it is possible to celebrate Winter for it's own sake and to recognize why so many festivals are held in winter.

Editorial Review:

The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.

Illustrated by Jesse Reisch.