Book Bundles: Things That Go

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Hans Jenssen. Presented in alphabetical order, from the Airboard™ Personal Hovercraft to the Zil-2906 (an amphibious truck), each unusual vehicle is afforded a double-page spread featuring realistic illustrations, diagrams, and an entertaining and informative text. Hearst provides a description of the conveyance, its manufacturer, and date(s) of production. The entries include a selection of sidebars: trivia, true/false questions, technology details, "Did You Know?" boxes, the occasional silly poem, and Hearst's irreverent comments. Drive all the way through from start to finish, or chart your own course.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Eureka!: The Biography of an Idea series. Illustrated by Aaron Cushley. This concise history starts with German Karl Drais's 1817 invention of a wooden two-wheeled "running machine." It wasn't until 1865 that "someone in France" added pedals to the front wheel. Pedal placement improved over time; original wooden wheels evolved into wood and iron, then solid rubber, and finally rubber tubes in 1888 (developed by Irishman John Dunlop). Houran follows further design refinements and innovations, culminating with "a bicycle for just about everybody" today. The lively illustrations keep pace with the accessible and engaging text. A few more "Bike Facts" are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gilbert Ford. This curated collection of transportation advancements begins in eighteenth-century France with the invention of the hot-air balloon. Kirkfield steers readers through a chronological tour of eight more innovations such as the steam locomotive, liquid-fuel-propelled rocket, and folding wheelchair. A chapter about Raye Montague, a Black female engineer who pioneered computer-generated ship design, is notable among the mostly white men featured. The narrative emphasizes inventors' perseverance and ability to learn from mistakes. Copious cartoon illustrations help set the time period, add humor, and break up the narrative. A timeline from 8000 BCE to 2012 CE runs from the front endpapers to the back. A list of related websites, a bibliography, and an index are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn