Now You Know How It Works

July 1, 2018

K-Gr 3-A bright and stimulating introduction to the mechanics and makeup of everyday objects and phenomena. The most successful spreads describe objects or processes that are very basic or commonly encountered, such as how shadows work. Without needing a lot of text about the rotation of the earth and the angle of insolation, Fisher's diagrams allow very young readers to clearly see the way the rays of the sun go over the tops of their heads to impact where their shadows are visible on the ground. Shown from multiple angles, cause and effect relationships are very well defined. More complex objects or processes that may be difficult for early elementary children are described with mixed results. For example, a labeled diagram of a flashlight includes batteries (including the negative and positive ends) and mentions electricity flowing through a metal strip. While kindergartners can grasp that hitting a button makes the flashlight come on and off, understanding even the basics of battery polarity or electromagnetism may be a lot to ask. That said, older elementary and middle school visual learners can benefit from the well-executed diagrams of these processes. Fans of Fisher's previous books will be thrilled to see that, in addition to the diagrams and labeled photographs, she again uses her signature retro toy-and-paper dioramas to great effect. VERDICT An engaging and visually tempting starting point to prepare kids for more in-depth titles like David Macaulay's The Way Things Work Now.-Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 15, 2018
This guide to objects may leave readers with more questions than answers. A plethora of common objects--most tangible and one intangible--are examined and their creations or uses are explained to readers. In theory, at least. The initial page presents a key to the flow of information in the book: A dashed line means airflow. Or energy flow. Or liquid flow. A solid line denotes the direction an object will move, a pattern of dots shows air pressure, etc. The guide is a child version of IKEA instructions--so visually simple yet so complex! Inside, toy figurines (of both black and white people) occasionally guide the action, while complex text explains the physics or physical properties of the object in question. The backmatter provides additional information, linked via words set in boldface in the main text, but there is no pronunciation guide for reach words ("filament," "opaque," "resistance," etc.). The items described in the book are common but at times seem to be questionable choices: An incandescent light bulb--labeled "Light Bulb"--is shown and described rather than a compact florescent or an LED, and the energy-efficient models are not mentioned. Readers learn that crayons often get their colors from natural materials such as "slate," "iron ore," and the vaguely labeled "minerals" (implying that slate and iron ore are not). Budding scientists are likely to find the book more confusing than illuminating. (Nonfiction. 8-10)

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July 16, 2018
This educational guide introduces the mechanics behind familiar objects, machines, and physical phenomena, utilizing a set of symbols presented in opening pages. Crisply presented models and charts demonstrate how a toilet, zipper, and whistle operate; how lift, weight, thrust, and drag allow a kite to fly; and how electricity flows through a lightbulb. Fisher integrates a playful element through the use of miniature objects and figures: in a spread devoted to garbage, a doll demonstrates using compost to fertilize a garden. Fisher introduces complex concepts concisely while gently suggesting to readers that there is a world of knowledge to be discovered in everyday things. Ages 4–6.