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(2)
K-3
Encounter series.
Illustrated by
Harriet Popham.
Karl, an Abyssinian ground hornbill, arrived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo with a damaged lower bill, which limited his ability to eat a balanced diet and participate in normal activities. Nargi's lighthearted and informative account shows how zoo staff engineered Karl a 3-D printed beak, each step in the process demonstrating how engineering and science can solve problems in animal conservation. Creative illustrations combine blueprint-like schematics with photos; a downloadable companion app is available. Glos.
Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2019
32 pp.
| Kane Press
| March, 2018
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-63592-014-7$25.32
|
PaperISBN 978-1-57565-989-3$5.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-57565-990-9
(4)
1-3
Makers Make It Work series.
Illustrated by
Tammie Lyon.
In each of these early-reader stories, the main character learns a makerspace skill--woodworking, robotics, 3D printing, and baking--to solve a problem. If the child's first effort fails, he or she persists to achieve success. The various illustrations (by different artists) are serviceable and the stories are fairly engaging, but kids will likely be more interested in the included hands-on activities. Useful for early-elementary classrooms and makerspaces. Review covers these Makers Make It Work titles: Double or Nothing, The Color Day Coach, Robot to the Rescue, and The Runaway Chicken.
168 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| April, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-242753-3$16.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-06-242755-7
(4)
4-6
Monsters Unleashed series.
Illustrated by
Mark Oliver.
Using the magic 3D printer that brought Freddie's monster doodles to life in the first book, a student outcast prints a monstrous insect--which quickly multiplies into a swarm. Freddie, his pals, and their own pet monsters must destroy the horde before it consumes everything in sight. Monster-movie fans will look past stock characters and enjoy the fast-paced action. Black-and-white illustrations enhance the goofy-creepy antics.
(4)
4-6
Checkerboard Library: Modern Engineering Marvels series.
The high-tech vehicles and equipment discussed in these brief introductory texts are still being developed, though some are operational today. Each book briefly traces the technology's history, current uses, and future possibilities and risks in clearly written text. Unfortunately, the books' layouts are boxy and boring, with full-color stock photographs and sometimes unclear infographics that add little to the content. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Modern Engineering Marvels titles: 3-D Printers, Virtual-Reality Headsets, Wearable Technology, Drones, and Self-Driving Cars.
(3)
K-3
How Is It Made? series.
Children will be drawn into the origins of these familiar objects. Close-up color photos spill across the gutter to illustrate each step in the manufacturing process, from raw material to final product. Two or three simple sentences add a very basic but level-appropriate explanation to each spread's picture; curious young readers may seek out more substantive information. A few additional facts are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers these How Is It Made? titles: How Is a Book Made? and How Is a Crayon Made?.
(4)
4-6
Monsters Unleashed series.
Illustrated by
Mark Oliver.
When Freddie accidentally brings his monster doodles to life with a magic 3D printer, the creatures grow to enormous size and begin wreaking havoc. To stop them, Freddie and his best friend must team up with the bullies who inspired the beasts. Despite some shallow characterizations, the book's frantic action and creature-feature plot should entertain monster fans. Humorous black-and-white illustrations are included.
112 pp.
| Twenty-First Century
| October, 2017
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-5124-1570-4$37.32
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5124-4860-3
(3)
YA
Koch thoroughly explains the origins of the techniques and machines used in 3D printing--from resin prototypes to cutting-edge biological materials--and also profiles its original inventors and the entrepreneurs commercializing 3D printing today. Later chapters discuss possible future applications. Textbook-like pages benefit from occasional photographs of the machines and their products. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
(4)
4-6
Tech Bytes series.
These two additions to the series explore budding technologies, describing the amazing potential--and incumbent risks--of autonomous vehicles and 3-D printing. Although text-heavy, both books provide robust introductions to important topics through clear text, concrete examples, and strong organization. The series relies on intriguing contents, which the bland covers identify rather than advertise. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Tech Bytes titles: Self-Driving Car and 3-D Printing.
(4)
YA
Future of Technology series.
With the directness of textbooks, the books in this series explore exciting, interrelated areas of technological innovation with in-depth, straightforward text; clear organization; and well-documented sources. Sidebars contain supplementary information and "Words in Context," a user-friendly alternative to a glossary. Introductory timelines are difficult to navigate, and minimal visual elements and unremarkable covers do little to draw in readers. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers the following Future of Technology titles: What Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence?, What Is the Future of Nanotechnology?, What Is the Future of Drones?, What Is the Future of 3D Printing?, What Is the Future of Virtual Reality?, and What Is the Future of Self-Driving Cars?
(3)
YA
Essential Library of Inventions series.
These books focus on pivotal inventions as historical events, examining why each was created and what preceded it; how each has changed life today; and how it will evolve. Supplemented with excellent photos, archival images, and diagrams, the well-written narratives also clearly explain the technology of each invention. There are three other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Library of Inventions titles: How the Light Bulb Changed History, How the Refrigerator Changed History, How the Internet Changed History, How the Toilet Changed History, and How the Printing Press Changed History.
32 pp.
| Sea to Sea
| March, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59771-387-0$28.50
(4)
K-3
Let's Find Out series.
This wide-ranging overview covers different alphabets, the history of writing, how books are made, how paper is made, among other topics. Illustrations that resemble cut-paper and photo collage are accompanied by captioned photos and sidebars. The organization is haphazard, but the presentation is inviting. A book-making activity is appended. Glos., ind.
32 pp.
| QEB
| September, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-60992-277-1$28.50
(4)
K-3
Art Smart series.
Each volume contains step-by-step directions with accompanying illustrations for twelve inventive printing, textile, painting, and drawing projects that will appeal to crafty young children. Most kids (and many adults) will be frustrated by occasional measurement generalities; small, unhelpful diagrams; and assumed skills (e.g., in Make: "using a blanket stitch..."). Clearer explanations of materials and techniques do conclude each book, however. Ind. Review covers these Art Smart titles: Draw It!, Print It!, Make It!, and Paint It!.
40 pp.
| Dial
| September, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3749-5$17.99
(1)
4-6
Byrd divides Franklin's life into seventeen whimsically labeled double-page spreads covering topics ranging from his fascination with electricity to his ideas for social progress to his diplomatic roles. Informative, exploratory, nonpandering text is set on attractive pages; spot art and larger illustrations provide information and present a visual record. This book shimmers with excitement, begging to be read. Reading list, timeline. Bib.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2012
(4)
K-3
Journey of A... series.
Stock photographs of people on phones and at computers, illustrators working, the printing process, etc., support an easy-to-read text. From an idea's development to a book's design, production, and distribution, the collaborative efforts of all involved are presented in a straightforward, albeit dull, narrative. A final page summarizes the process from concept to reader. Websites. Glos., ind.
(2)
K-3
In this inviting very-first look at Gutenberg's transformative invention and the intricate craft of early printing, Rumford vivifies the ways and means of medieval innovation with intriguing details, focusing on highlights. An epilogue elucidates and extends the occasionally too-truncated information, as does handsome watercolor and gouache art that recalls illuminated manuscripts while revealing additional tasks, hazards, and sources of inspiration.
Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2012
112 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2009
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-60453-762-8$32.79
(4)
YA
Publishing Pioneers series.
Stretching across the centuries, from the first printed volumes (1400s) to today's realm of bookselling in cyberspace, these biographies portray the lives of achievers who have shaped the world of books. The writing is bland but accessible; students will come away with an appreciation of the far-reaching social impact of each individual's innovations. Sidebars, period illustrations, photographs, and maps augment the texts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Publishing Pioneers titles: Barnes & Noble, Jeff Bezos, Randolph Caldecott, Melvil Dewey, and Johannes Gutenberg.
128 pp.
| Enslow/Links.com
| July, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59845-077-4$33.27
(4)
YA
Inventors Who Changed the World series.
Crowded with photographs, diagrams, drawings, and artifacts, this biography covers not only Gutenberg's life and career but also the times in which he lived and the history of printing. The writing, though wordy, is easy to understand and explains the printing press in detail. Some readers will appreciate the publisher's enhanced website when it comes time to do their school reports. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.
102 pp.
| Boyds/Calkins
| October, 2006
|
TradeISBN 1-59078-432-4$18.95
(3)
YA
This clear, detailed, well-researched account of the landmark trial that set the standard for an American free press presents a scholarly investigation into the complex characters and events. History buffs and report writers will find this work valuable, and teachers may use it for their own education. Reproductions of primary source materials and source notes are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
112 pp.
| Lerner
| January, 2005
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-2210-1$27.93
(4)
4-6
Just the Facts Biographies series.
Although Winfrey suffers from wooden prose, all four of these biographies offer some insight into their subjects' lives, inadvertently giving lie to the series' title. Occasional sidebars share useful historical perspectives, but disruptive "It's a Fact!" boxes contain information that should have been integrated into the texts. Black-and-white photos appear throughout. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Just the Facts Biographies tiles: J. R. R. Tolkien, Oprah Winfrey, Benjamin Franklin, and John Glenn.
105 pp.
| Peachtree
| May, 2004
|
TradeISBN 1-56145-306-4$$12.95
(4)
4-6
Ashby's biography begins in Franklin's seventeenth year, when he ran away from Boston to Philadelphia. There, hard work and a love of books led to his own print shop, a subscription library, and a leadership role as the Colonies moved toward independence. The narrative is clear, if occasionally overexcited; an afterword summarizes Franklin's inventions and family information. Reading list. Bib.