Human Ingenuity
Culture in series by Melanie Guile
Culture in India
Culture in Malaysia
Culture in Thailand
Culture in Vietnam
These books provide a good introduction to the discussion of what is culture and how is it expressed in these countries. It examines the ways in which people identify themselves through language, social customs and habits as well as traditions of art, craft, dance, music and spiritual belief. They also look at the different cultures of various ethnic groups within each country. (9 – 14 years)
The Usborne Introduction to Archaeology - Internet-Linked by Abigail Wheatley and Struan Reid
This very interesting book looks at examples of famous archaeological excavations round the world by continent. It also describes how archaeologists work and some the difficulties they face when excavating sites, whether underground or underwater. It discusses some of the painstaking detective work necessary and also some of the latest technological advances in dating, conserving and reconstructing the past. (10 – 16 years)
Who’s in Charge? How people and ideas make the world go round Foreword by Andrew Marr
The world of politics is complicated and often seems very messy. This book is excellent in that it sets out the various elements of political structure and ideas and gives simple, interesting explanations in a format that is lively and eye-catching but also makes the explanations easier to understand. In fact I found it so interesting in its examples that I found myself reading many sections in full. The book is divided into sections called Taking Charge, Take me to your Leader, The big Ideas, and People and Politics. The book also includes discussion of the various political systems over the years and in various countries throughout the world. It is an extremely informative and useful book. (11 – 17 years)
DK Eyewitness Economy by Johnny Acton and David Goldblatt
This is an excellent introduction to the complex workings of the economy. It gives straightforward explanations as to how money came to be used in societies round the world and how, from simple beginnings, complex institutions as banks, shares, trade, inflation, speculation etc have come about. The emphasis is on how the world economy has developed and how it works now. There is even a section on aid to developing countries and examples of which aid works best. As usual with Eyewitness titles the design and use of photos and paintings is excellent. The many graphs and diagrams also help understand some of the more complex terms. A Timeline, Glossary, Index and CD clipart and a giant wall chart are also included. Published 2010 (11 – 17 years)
What Goes on in my HEAD? How your Brain works and why you do what you do by Robert Winston
Published just in 2010, this is another very interesting book from DK about the most complicated and mysterious part of the human body. The book introduces the history of discoveries about the brain as well as discussing the various parts of the brain. There are sections on how the brain and the body work together, how we think and this includes consciousness and our unique personalities, on our feelings and emotions and on the power of the brain, especially relating to language and memory. The book has great design, thought-provoking text as well as some interesting tests and activities. (11 – 16 years)
Vote: Eyewitness Guide by Philip Steele
Published in 2008, this is an up to date look at how democracy has evolved over thousands of years and how it works in countries throughout the world. The many photographs and appealing format make this an inviting introduction to the study of democracy. The book contains a Timeline of Democracy, an A – Z of famous people involved with the history of voting and democracy, a glossary, an index and also a wall chart and a Clip Art CD. A very helpful book. (12 – 15 years)
Political and Economic Systems series
Published in 2008, this is a series which has been extensively revised and updated. Gives the historical background to the rise of democracy and examples of nations with a democratic system of government historically and recently. Looks at how the democratic system can be applied to the global community. Discusses strengths and weakness of various systems. There are many photos, maps and diagrams, as well as a timeline, glossary and index.
Other titles in this series are:
Capitalism
Communism
Democracy
Dictatorship
Fascism
Monarchy (13 – 16 years)
History of Democracy by Carmel Reilly hardback 9781740705783 $29.95
This is one of the titles in the series called Democracy, published in 2009. It provides an interesting introduction to the beginnings of democracy in Greece and how democracy slowly developed again in the UK and then how it was shaped by the Revolutions in the US and also in France in the 1700s.
Democracy Around the World looks at Democracy and how it works in the UK, the USA, France, Argentina and South Africa. Each book contains a timeline, glossary and index and is clearly set out with diagrams, illustrations, photos and maps. A very informative and interesting series for upper primary to lower secondary.
All the titles in this series Democracy:
History of Democracy
Democracy Around the World
Citizenship
The Australian Democracy
Slavery: Real People and their stories of Enslavement by Reg Grant This is a fascinating history. There is a huge amount of information but the text is interesting and there is an absolute wealth of photos, paintings, illustrations, maps, graphs, timelines and graphic materials which helps make the information come to life. There is also a detailed Glossary and Index. This is the history of slavery and its role in the making of the modern world, from Ancient Times to the present day. It describes how thinkers in Ancient Greece believed that a free life for some was only possible through the enslavement of others. Slaves either captured by war or traded were used extensively. Aristotle compared them to tame animals “some men are by nature slaves and that to keep them as slaves is not just advantageous but right.” There are detailed descriptions of the slave trade from Africa to various parts of the Americas and also elsewhere in the world. The many extracts from letters and accounts from slaves, trader, owners and abolitionists make the descriptions of events vivid. The role of slavery in the American Civil War is also discussed and the work of the Abolitionists especially in the UK. It is a vast subject and it takes into account the history, economics, trade and also politics. However it looks at the topic especially from the point of view of those enslaved and their suffering and the fight for justice. (12 years up)
Smart Young Consumers series
Consumer Choices by Garry Chapman and Gary Hodges
I have been asked a number of times for books on shopping or consumerism and there is very little for children. This series could be a helpful introduction since it deals with the ways young people are targeted by advertisers. It discusses disposal income and ways to work out how to spend money responsibly. There is also discussion of smart shopping and recent trends in technology and communication and suggestions of how scams and exploitations can be avoided. Published in 2008. The level of text is set at a young age for the topics discussed. Titles in the series are:
Consumer Choices
Managing Money
Consumer Rights and Responsibilities (10 – 13 years)
Global Village
Trade by Rob Bowden
I was attracted to this series because there is so little available for middle years students on Trade and Travel and Tourism in particular. This book attempts to give some idea of the complexities of the issues behind the globalization of trade and any attempts to make trade more equitable. There are comments from a variety of people involved, and an attempt to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of worldwide trade. Many charts and graphs and included. Overall the series attempts to discuss whether a balance can be achieved between the expansion of global activities and preserving the interests of individual countries. Published in 2008. Titles in the series are:
Aid and development
Food and farming
Migration and Refugees
Natural Resources
Trade
Travel and Tourism (11 – 16 years)
• Stocks and Shares: World Economy Explained series by Sean Connolly (published 2010)
The world of stock and shares is bewildering for many people but there are very few books which explain for secondary students how stock markets work and how they have evolved into a global economic system. This book gives the background to the current economic problems and explains some of the causes and effects of the current financial problems facing many people and countries round the world. Written in clear, easily understood language, it is an extremely useful introduction to a very complex topic. It contains a glossary and an Index. The full range of titles in the series are:
Banks and Banking
Money and Credit
Insurance
International Aid and Loans
International Trade
Stocks and Shares (12 –16 years)
1,000 Inventions and Discoveries by Roger Bridgman DK in association with the Science Museum (UK)
This book is so much more meaningful than I would have imagined because of the way Bridgman has organised this subject. The inventions and discoveries are arranged chronologically and so there is an explanation of how these discoveries have changed over time (from the Stone Age to very Modern Times) and it also becomes very clear how the speed of invention has accelerated greatly over the past fifty years or so. From time to time two additional pages explain in more detail some of the changes happening throughout the world for example in agriculture or in writing systems or monumental inventions such as the first printing press of the telephone. Inventions such as the magnetic compass, gunpowder and paper from China are also acknowledged. Many inventions are so much more interesting when we can see how they have developed over time. A quick reference time-line across the bottom of some pages gives an instant overview of events in the world at that time. There are many photos and paintings of examples of the 1,000 inventions and discoveries over the years. (9 – 16 years)
The Way Things Work by David Macaulay with Neil Ardley (published 2004)
It is wonderful to see this exceptional book back in print in a revised edition. The book is inspired because as well as detailed a detailed description of the working of hundreds of machines and the principles behind their technology, Macaulay also uses extremely funny illustrations and descriptions of mammoths from prehistoric times to give further examples of the various principles. It is most surprising to find a book which combines humour and science and especially with such flair. The machines described in the book are grouped according to the principles that make different machines work, rather than by their uses. There are sections on The Mechanics of Movement, Harnessing the Elements, Working with Waves, Electricity and Automation, The Digital Domain and The Invention of Machines. (9 – 15 years)
Can you feel the Force? by Richard Hammond
A dynamic and extremely interestingly presented book about Physics and the forces which make our world the way it is. Hammond has a lively and exciting way of talking about forces. He describes Newton’s laws by demonstrating what happens when you go for a ride on your bike. He gives some of the history behind efforts to understand the problem and gives examples demonstrating its use. Looks at the composition of Matter and also discusses Light and its many complexities and mysteries. (9 – 15 years)
Evolution Revolution: From Darwin to DNA by Robert Winston (2009)
This book is extremely well set out and covers a huge range of information in an entertaining way. The book begins with creation stories and then with a discussion of theories that developed in the 1700s and 1800s as scientists questioned the belief that God had created all the species exactly as they appeared. There is detailed description of Darwin’s notes and research over 20 years, and the events that led to his publishing of his ideas on natural selection. The last two chapters look at the effect of the study of genetics on Darwin’s natural selection theory and a discussion of evolution in action over the millennia and how we can see it still evolving. There is a huge range of photos, diagrams, graphs and illustrations and also a comprehensive Index and Glossary. (9 – 14 years)
The Time Book: A Brief History from Lunar Calendars to Atomic Clocks by Martin Jenkins illustrated by Richard Holland
This book reads like a discussion of time. The book is divided into chapters and begins with a discussion of why different cultures over the millennia have found it so difficult to make an accurate calendar. Various calendars are discussed and in particular the peculiarities of the Roman calendar and the effect this has had on other calendars. Jenkins looks at time measuring devices and their accuracy and the earliest clocks used by Egyptians, Romans and the Chinese. His discussion on the social effects of more accurate timekeeping had on society is fascinating. The final chapter asks if we really understand time and discusses some very strange phenomena and what happens to time when we travel at the speed of light. The illustrations are sometimes whimsical and there are graphs and representations of specific machines. Browsing through this book would be assisted by the very comprehensive index. (12 – 16 years)
Einstein’s Theories of Relativity (Milestones in Modern science series) by Alan Morton This is an extremely interesting book which combines fascinating background about Einstein’s life with historical information about what was accepted regarding the laws of Physics prior to Einstein’s theories. It explains what relativity is and goes on to investigating the theories of Special and general relativity. After reading this book, I still don’t understand Einstein’s Theories of Relativity but I do have an understanding of how the ideas developed, as well as their impact at the time and their huge importance in later scientific developments. Many fascinating photographs and illustrations as well as quotes from Einstein add to the interest of the book and to its comprehension. There is also a Timeline, Glossary and Index. (13 years up)
Other titles in the series are:
The Discovery of DNA
The Discovery of Penicillin
Einstein’s Theories of Relativity
The First Computers
The First Polio Vaccine
Splitting the Atom
Made in China: Ideas and Inventions from Ancient China by Suzanne Williams
A detailed description of some of the many scientific discoveries of Ancient China, including bronze making, paper, silk, printing, the compass, porcelain, abacus and acupuncture. Illustrations and photographs. (9 - 15 years)
A Story of Natural Numbers by David Demant
This is an introduction to the history of the development of natural numbers of 1 – 9 (and also zero). David Demant takes us back to the time when numbers didn’t exist and describes the various symbols that have been used for numbers over thousands of years and in different countries throughout the world. The importance of zero is discussed at length and we are introduced to various people at different historical periods and in different parts of the world whose ideas had an impact on the use of numbers. It also explains the decimal system and the use of the abacus. This is a long and detailed book (134 pages) and some of the later explanations are not easy but it is very entertainingly written and well set out with bright illustrations maps, graphs and a number of amusing jokes. (12 years up)
Look! Zoom in on Art! by Gillian Wolfe
This is an exceptional book which encourages us to look carefully at paintings and makes us think about the different ways artists paint when they attempt to portray perspective, movement, emotion and many other complex ideas. (8 – 15 years)
Look! Seeing the Light in Art hardback 9781845074678 $29.95
This fascinating book makes us think about how light is used in a variety of paintings under headings such as dramatic, cold and hot, dappled, reflected and patterns. At the end of the book there are brief background notes to each of the eighteen paintings.
Look ! Body Language in Art
This book has a similar format the other two titles and looks at the way body language is expressed in seventeen famous paintings.
Look! Drawing the Line in Art
Here the importance of line in drawing is emphasised;; it shows how a line can be just a rough sketch, how it can be delicate or strong, can be symmetrical or show the structure of a building or can capture emotion. It looks at 18 pictures and discusses how artists use line in very different ways. (8 – 15 years)
Look! Really Smart Art by Gillian Wolfe
In this book she focuses our attention on the very different clever effects that artists can create. There is the 3D trick that Escher used to create an unbelievably life-like pair of hands that look as though the hands are three dimensional against a flat surface and the art of perspective which makes David Hockney’s Going up Garroby Hill look as though the road curves down before going up the hill to disappear into the distance. There are also examples of digital computer art by Akiyoshi Kitaoka and the pop style art of Roy Lichtenstein and many others. (9 – 16 years)
The Art Book for Children Book One hardback
The artworks of thirty very different artists, ranging from the Middle Ages to very modern times. It asks children to think about the reasons why the artists chose to paint or create in that style. It explores the various ideas, meanings, roles and functions of art by looking at painting, sculpture, photography and prints and helps develop children’s understanding of colour, form, texture and pattern. A great introduction to the world of art for children. (8 - 15 years)
Art Book for Children Book 2 text by Amanda Renshaw
With a similar format, this second book introduces artworks from another 30 artists from the Middle Ages to very modern times. The art works are striking and Amanda Renshaw makes comments and asks questions which encourage us to observe the works more closely and to think about why the artists chose to paint or create in that style. It is an excellent introduction to the world of art and it helps children to think creatively. (8 - 15 years)
Picture This: How Pictures Work by Molly Bang
In this book Molly Bang helps us understand how the structure of a pictures affects our emotional response. She uses simple cutout shapes to tell the fairy story of Little Red Riding Hood as a visual example of how varying shapes, colour and composition of a picture make us feel differently about it. This is a truly original and fascinating book. (11 years up)
Leonardo da Vinci for Kids : His Life and Ideas by Janis Herbert
This book describes in detail the life of Leonard da Vinci and his amazing inventions, his engineering designs, and his wonderful paintings and sculptures.
There are descriptions of his interests in nature, in anatomy and in science and these are accompanied by extensive use of photos of many of Leonardo’s sketches, paintings and designs. There are also suggested activities related to Leonardo’s interests. (11 years up)
World Art and Culture series
Aboriginal Art and Culture
Chinese Art and Culture
Indian Art and Culture
Islamic Art and Culture
Japanese Art and Culture
Mexican Art and Culture
Native American Art and Culture
A wide-ranging look at the diverse culture of these countries through their architecture and art and crafts over the ages. Each book endeavours to use a wide variety of art and craft to reflect something of the culture, including the history, technology, beliefs and daily life of each country. (11 - 16 years)
Inspirations: Art Ideas for Primary and Middle Years by Ann MacArthur This pack contains a marvellous range of images of contemporary, modern and traditional artworks from Asia. On the back of each image there is background information as well as suggestions for looking and making activities for students, for discussion and for cross-curricular activities. The specific arts activities have a variety of approaches designed to support different learning styles. Images include works from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Persia, Philippines and Vietnam. (11 years up)
World of Music series
Published in 2008, these are very attractively presented books giving a vast amount of information about music from various countries of the world. The instruments and the various types of music and many different musicians are described in detail. It is a shame that there isn’t a CD to accompany the books. However the names of many musicians and the type of music they play is described an also descriptions of the cultural events at which music is played and the styles of dance. The music’s link to the religions of the region is also described. The books contain detailed maps of the regions, colour photographs of the instruments and musicians and cultural events. There are also clear explanations of musical terms. Each book contains a Glossary, Index and also suggested websites and books where further information can be obtained. The full list of titles is:
Africa
Australia, Hawaii, and the Pacific
Eastern Asia
Europe
Latin America and the Caribbean
Western Asia
History in Literature series
This is a fascinating series looking at the history behind some favourite classic novels. Each book explores the relevant historical background and also looks at how events in the author’s life influenced their writing. The many photos and artworks help in understanding the atmosphere of the period. The final section of each book also gives a literary analysis of the novel. There is also a Timeline, glossary and index in each book. Titles are:
Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist 9780431081748
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby 9780431081700
Ann Holm’s I am David 9780431081694
George Orwell’s Animal farm 9780431081687
Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front 9780431081755
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men 9780431081724
Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 9780431081717 (13 – 16 years)
Culture in India
Culture in Malaysia
Culture in Thailand
Culture in Vietnam
These books provide a good introduction to the discussion of what is culture and how is it expressed in these countries. It examines the ways in which people identify themselves through language, social customs and habits as well as traditions of art, craft, dance, music and spiritual belief. They also look at the different cultures of various ethnic groups within each country. (9 – 14 years)
The Usborne Introduction to Archaeology - Internet-Linked by Abigail Wheatley and Struan Reid
This very interesting book looks at examples of famous archaeological excavations round the world by continent. It also describes how archaeologists work and some the difficulties they face when excavating sites, whether underground or underwater. It discusses some of the painstaking detective work necessary and also some of the latest technological advances in dating, conserving and reconstructing the past. (10 – 16 years)
Who’s in Charge? How people and ideas make the world go round Foreword by Andrew Marr
The world of politics is complicated and often seems very messy. This book is excellent in that it sets out the various elements of political structure and ideas and gives simple, interesting explanations in a format that is lively and eye-catching but also makes the explanations easier to understand. In fact I found it so interesting in its examples that I found myself reading many sections in full. The book is divided into sections called Taking Charge, Take me to your Leader, The big Ideas, and People and Politics. The book also includes discussion of the various political systems over the years and in various countries throughout the world. It is an extremely informative and useful book. (11 – 17 years)
DK Eyewitness Economy by Johnny Acton and David Goldblatt
This is an excellent introduction to the complex workings of the economy. It gives straightforward explanations as to how money came to be used in societies round the world and how, from simple beginnings, complex institutions as banks, shares, trade, inflation, speculation etc have come about. The emphasis is on how the world economy has developed and how it works now. There is even a section on aid to developing countries and examples of which aid works best. As usual with Eyewitness titles the design and use of photos and paintings is excellent. The many graphs and diagrams also help understand some of the more complex terms. A Timeline, Glossary, Index and CD clipart and a giant wall chart are also included. Published 2010 (11 – 17 years)
What Goes on in my HEAD? How your Brain works and why you do what you do by Robert Winston
Published just in 2010, this is another very interesting book from DK about the most complicated and mysterious part of the human body. The book introduces the history of discoveries about the brain as well as discussing the various parts of the brain. There are sections on how the brain and the body work together, how we think and this includes consciousness and our unique personalities, on our feelings and emotions and on the power of the brain, especially relating to language and memory. The book has great design, thought-provoking text as well as some interesting tests and activities. (11 – 16 years)
Vote: Eyewitness Guide by Philip Steele
Published in 2008, this is an up to date look at how democracy has evolved over thousands of years and how it works in countries throughout the world. The many photographs and appealing format make this an inviting introduction to the study of democracy. The book contains a Timeline of Democracy, an A – Z of famous people involved with the history of voting and democracy, a glossary, an index and also a wall chart and a Clip Art CD. A very helpful book. (12 – 15 years)
Political and Economic Systems series
Published in 2008, this is a series which has been extensively revised and updated. Gives the historical background to the rise of democracy and examples of nations with a democratic system of government historically and recently. Looks at how the democratic system can be applied to the global community. Discusses strengths and weakness of various systems. There are many photos, maps and diagrams, as well as a timeline, glossary and index.
Other titles in this series are:
Capitalism
Communism
Democracy
Dictatorship
Fascism
Monarchy (13 – 16 years)
History of Democracy by Carmel Reilly hardback 9781740705783 $29.95
This is one of the titles in the series called Democracy, published in 2009. It provides an interesting introduction to the beginnings of democracy in Greece and how democracy slowly developed again in the UK and then how it was shaped by the Revolutions in the US and also in France in the 1700s.
Democracy Around the World looks at Democracy and how it works in the UK, the USA, France, Argentina and South Africa. Each book contains a timeline, glossary and index and is clearly set out with diagrams, illustrations, photos and maps. A very informative and interesting series for upper primary to lower secondary.
All the titles in this series Democracy:
History of Democracy
Democracy Around the World
Citizenship
The Australian Democracy
Slavery: Real People and their stories of Enslavement by Reg Grant This is a fascinating history. There is a huge amount of information but the text is interesting and there is an absolute wealth of photos, paintings, illustrations, maps, graphs, timelines and graphic materials which helps make the information come to life. There is also a detailed Glossary and Index. This is the history of slavery and its role in the making of the modern world, from Ancient Times to the present day. It describes how thinkers in Ancient Greece believed that a free life for some was only possible through the enslavement of others. Slaves either captured by war or traded were used extensively. Aristotle compared them to tame animals “some men are by nature slaves and that to keep them as slaves is not just advantageous but right.” There are detailed descriptions of the slave trade from Africa to various parts of the Americas and also elsewhere in the world. The many extracts from letters and accounts from slaves, trader, owners and abolitionists make the descriptions of events vivid. The role of slavery in the American Civil War is also discussed and the work of the Abolitionists especially in the UK. It is a vast subject and it takes into account the history, economics, trade and also politics. However it looks at the topic especially from the point of view of those enslaved and their suffering and the fight for justice. (12 years up)
Smart Young Consumers series
Consumer Choices by Garry Chapman and Gary Hodges
I have been asked a number of times for books on shopping or consumerism and there is very little for children. This series could be a helpful introduction since it deals with the ways young people are targeted by advertisers. It discusses disposal income and ways to work out how to spend money responsibly. There is also discussion of smart shopping and recent trends in technology and communication and suggestions of how scams and exploitations can be avoided. Published in 2008. The level of text is set at a young age for the topics discussed. Titles in the series are:
Consumer Choices
Managing Money
Consumer Rights and Responsibilities (10 – 13 years)
Global Village
Trade by Rob Bowden
I was attracted to this series because there is so little available for middle years students on Trade and Travel and Tourism in particular. This book attempts to give some idea of the complexities of the issues behind the globalization of trade and any attempts to make trade more equitable. There are comments from a variety of people involved, and an attempt to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of worldwide trade. Many charts and graphs and included. Overall the series attempts to discuss whether a balance can be achieved between the expansion of global activities and preserving the interests of individual countries. Published in 2008. Titles in the series are:
Aid and development
Food and farming
Migration and Refugees
Natural Resources
Trade
Travel and Tourism (11 – 16 years)
• Stocks and Shares: World Economy Explained series by Sean Connolly (published 2010)
The world of stock and shares is bewildering for many people but there are very few books which explain for secondary students how stock markets work and how they have evolved into a global economic system. This book gives the background to the current economic problems and explains some of the causes and effects of the current financial problems facing many people and countries round the world. Written in clear, easily understood language, it is an extremely useful introduction to a very complex topic. It contains a glossary and an Index. The full range of titles in the series are:
Banks and Banking
Money and Credit
Insurance
International Aid and Loans
International Trade
Stocks and Shares (12 –16 years)
1,000 Inventions and Discoveries by Roger Bridgman DK in association with the Science Museum (UK)
This book is so much more meaningful than I would have imagined because of the way Bridgman has organised this subject. The inventions and discoveries are arranged chronologically and so there is an explanation of how these discoveries have changed over time (from the Stone Age to very Modern Times) and it also becomes very clear how the speed of invention has accelerated greatly over the past fifty years or so. From time to time two additional pages explain in more detail some of the changes happening throughout the world for example in agriculture or in writing systems or monumental inventions such as the first printing press of the telephone. Inventions such as the magnetic compass, gunpowder and paper from China are also acknowledged. Many inventions are so much more interesting when we can see how they have developed over time. A quick reference time-line across the bottom of some pages gives an instant overview of events in the world at that time. There are many photos and paintings of examples of the 1,000 inventions and discoveries over the years. (9 – 16 years)
The Way Things Work by David Macaulay with Neil Ardley (published 2004)
It is wonderful to see this exceptional book back in print in a revised edition. The book is inspired because as well as detailed a detailed description of the working of hundreds of machines and the principles behind their technology, Macaulay also uses extremely funny illustrations and descriptions of mammoths from prehistoric times to give further examples of the various principles. It is most surprising to find a book which combines humour and science and especially with such flair. The machines described in the book are grouped according to the principles that make different machines work, rather than by their uses. There are sections on The Mechanics of Movement, Harnessing the Elements, Working with Waves, Electricity and Automation, The Digital Domain and The Invention of Machines. (9 – 15 years)
Can you feel the Force? by Richard Hammond
A dynamic and extremely interestingly presented book about Physics and the forces which make our world the way it is. Hammond has a lively and exciting way of talking about forces. He describes Newton’s laws by demonstrating what happens when you go for a ride on your bike. He gives some of the history behind efforts to understand the problem and gives examples demonstrating its use. Looks at the composition of Matter and also discusses Light and its many complexities and mysteries. (9 – 15 years)
Evolution Revolution: From Darwin to DNA by Robert Winston (2009)
This book is extremely well set out and covers a huge range of information in an entertaining way. The book begins with creation stories and then with a discussion of theories that developed in the 1700s and 1800s as scientists questioned the belief that God had created all the species exactly as they appeared. There is detailed description of Darwin’s notes and research over 20 years, and the events that led to his publishing of his ideas on natural selection. The last two chapters look at the effect of the study of genetics on Darwin’s natural selection theory and a discussion of evolution in action over the millennia and how we can see it still evolving. There is a huge range of photos, diagrams, graphs and illustrations and also a comprehensive Index and Glossary. (9 – 14 years)
The Time Book: A Brief History from Lunar Calendars to Atomic Clocks by Martin Jenkins illustrated by Richard Holland
This book reads like a discussion of time. The book is divided into chapters and begins with a discussion of why different cultures over the millennia have found it so difficult to make an accurate calendar. Various calendars are discussed and in particular the peculiarities of the Roman calendar and the effect this has had on other calendars. Jenkins looks at time measuring devices and their accuracy and the earliest clocks used by Egyptians, Romans and the Chinese. His discussion on the social effects of more accurate timekeeping had on society is fascinating. The final chapter asks if we really understand time and discusses some very strange phenomena and what happens to time when we travel at the speed of light. The illustrations are sometimes whimsical and there are graphs and representations of specific machines. Browsing through this book would be assisted by the very comprehensive index. (12 – 16 years)
Einstein’s Theories of Relativity (Milestones in Modern science series) by Alan Morton This is an extremely interesting book which combines fascinating background about Einstein’s life with historical information about what was accepted regarding the laws of Physics prior to Einstein’s theories. It explains what relativity is and goes on to investigating the theories of Special and general relativity. After reading this book, I still don’t understand Einstein’s Theories of Relativity but I do have an understanding of how the ideas developed, as well as their impact at the time and their huge importance in later scientific developments. Many fascinating photographs and illustrations as well as quotes from Einstein add to the interest of the book and to its comprehension. There is also a Timeline, Glossary and Index. (13 years up)
Other titles in the series are:
The Discovery of DNA
The Discovery of Penicillin
Einstein’s Theories of Relativity
The First Computers
The First Polio Vaccine
Splitting the Atom
Made in China: Ideas and Inventions from Ancient China by Suzanne Williams
A detailed description of some of the many scientific discoveries of Ancient China, including bronze making, paper, silk, printing, the compass, porcelain, abacus and acupuncture. Illustrations and photographs. (9 - 15 years)
A Story of Natural Numbers by David Demant
This is an introduction to the history of the development of natural numbers of 1 – 9 (and also zero). David Demant takes us back to the time when numbers didn’t exist and describes the various symbols that have been used for numbers over thousands of years and in different countries throughout the world. The importance of zero is discussed at length and we are introduced to various people at different historical periods and in different parts of the world whose ideas had an impact on the use of numbers. It also explains the decimal system and the use of the abacus. This is a long and detailed book (134 pages) and some of the later explanations are not easy but it is very entertainingly written and well set out with bright illustrations maps, graphs and a number of amusing jokes. (12 years up)
Look! Zoom in on Art! by Gillian Wolfe
This is an exceptional book which encourages us to look carefully at paintings and makes us think about the different ways artists paint when they attempt to portray perspective, movement, emotion and many other complex ideas. (8 – 15 years)
Look! Seeing the Light in Art hardback 9781845074678 $29.95
This fascinating book makes us think about how light is used in a variety of paintings under headings such as dramatic, cold and hot, dappled, reflected and patterns. At the end of the book there are brief background notes to each of the eighteen paintings.
Look ! Body Language in Art
This book has a similar format the other two titles and looks at the way body language is expressed in seventeen famous paintings.
Look! Drawing the Line in Art
Here the importance of line in drawing is emphasised;; it shows how a line can be just a rough sketch, how it can be delicate or strong, can be symmetrical or show the structure of a building or can capture emotion. It looks at 18 pictures and discusses how artists use line in very different ways. (8 – 15 years)
Look! Really Smart Art by Gillian Wolfe
In this book she focuses our attention on the very different clever effects that artists can create. There is the 3D trick that Escher used to create an unbelievably life-like pair of hands that look as though the hands are three dimensional against a flat surface and the art of perspective which makes David Hockney’s Going up Garroby Hill look as though the road curves down before going up the hill to disappear into the distance. There are also examples of digital computer art by Akiyoshi Kitaoka and the pop style art of Roy Lichtenstein and many others. (9 – 16 years)
The Art Book for Children Book One hardback
The artworks of thirty very different artists, ranging from the Middle Ages to very modern times. It asks children to think about the reasons why the artists chose to paint or create in that style. It explores the various ideas, meanings, roles and functions of art by looking at painting, sculpture, photography and prints and helps develop children’s understanding of colour, form, texture and pattern. A great introduction to the world of art for children. (8 - 15 years)
Art Book for Children Book 2 text by Amanda Renshaw
With a similar format, this second book introduces artworks from another 30 artists from the Middle Ages to very modern times. The art works are striking and Amanda Renshaw makes comments and asks questions which encourage us to observe the works more closely and to think about why the artists chose to paint or create in that style. It is an excellent introduction to the world of art and it helps children to think creatively. (8 - 15 years)
Picture This: How Pictures Work by Molly Bang
In this book Molly Bang helps us understand how the structure of a pictures affects our emotional response. She uses simple cutout shapes to tell the fairy story of Little Red Riding Hood as a visual example of how varying shapes, colour and composition of a picture make us feel differently about it. This is a truly original and fascinating book. (11 years up)
Leonardo da Vinci for Kids : His Life and Ideas by Janis Herbert
This book describes in detail the life of Leonard da Vinci and his amazing inventions, his engineering designs, and his wonderful paintings and sculptures.
There are descriptions of his interests in nature, in anatomy and in science and these are accompanied by extensive use of photos of many of Leonardo’s sketches, paintings and designs. There are also suggested activities related to Leonardo’s interests. (11 years up)
World Art and Culture series
Aboriginal Art and Culture
Chinese Art and Culture
Indian Art and Culture
Islamic Art and Culture
Japanese Art and Culture
Mexican Art and Culture
Native American Art and Culture
A wide-ranging look at the diverse culture of these countries through their architecture and art and crafts over the ages. Each book endeavours to use a wide variety of art and craft to reflect something of the culture, including the history, technology, beliefs and daily life of each country. (11 - 16 years)
Inspirations: Art Ideas for Primary and Middle Years by Ann MacArthur This pack contains a marvellous range of images of contemporary, modern and traditional artworks from Asia. On the back of each image there is background information as well as suggestions for looking and making activities for students, for discussion and for cross-curricular activities. The specific arts activities have a variety of approaches designed to support different learning styles. Images include works from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Persia, Philippines and Vietnam. (11 years up)
World of Music series
Published in 2008, these are very attractively presented books giving a vast amount of information about music from various countries of the world. The instruments and the various types of music and many different musicians are described in detail. It is a shame that there isn’t a CD to accompany the books. However the names of many musicians and the type of music they play is described an also descriptions of the cultural events at which music is played and the styles of dance. The music’s link to the religions of the region is also described. The books contain detailed maps of the regions, colour photographs of the instruments and musicians and cultural events. There are also clear explanations of musical terms. Each book contains a Glossary, Index and also suggested websites and books where further information can be obtained. The full list of titles is:
Africa
Australia, Hawaii, and the Pacific
Eastern Asia
Europe
Latin America and the Caribbean
Western Asia
History in Literature series
This is a fascinating series looking at the history behind some favourite classic novels. Each book explores the relevant historical background and also looks at how events in the author’s life influenced their writing. The many photos and artworks help in understanding the atmosphere of the period. The final section of each book also gives a literary analysis of the novel. There is also a Timeline, glossary and index in each book. Titles are:
Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist 9780431081748
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby 9780431081700
Ann Holm’s I am David 9780431081694
George Orwell’s Animal farm 9780431081687
Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front 9780431081755
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men 9780431081724
Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 9780431081717 (13 – 16 years)
