The Mechanical World

DK Action Book “Fly The Space Shuttle” (Carole Stott) $6 HB EC An exciting new way to explore space. You have been selected to train as an astronaut and fly on a space shuttle mission. Our four instructors will prepare you for the job. Meet the other members of the crew. Find out the difficulties and the fun of living in a weightless environment. Learn how to maneuver the orbiter in space. discover how to deploy a satellite. Use the manned manoeuvering unit to carry out extravehicular activity. 9+ http://www.amazon.com/DK-Action-Book-Space-Shuttle/dp/078942021X

I Didn’t Know That You Can Jump Higher On The Moon (Kate Petty) $4 HB FC+ (Minor cover wear and slight water damage to top edge of rear half of pages) An astronaut floating through the black void of space leaps off the cover of this book to draw in young readers. Each double-page spread of text is surrounded by a colourful border and a set of facts. Differing typefaces with the phrase "I didn't know that," printed in a wavy line, give visual punch to the pages. Uses a number of techniques to attract readers: true-and-false questions, search-and-find boxes, and insets. Even with all these techniques in play, the pages do not appear cluttered. Includes an oxygen experiment along with information on space exploration, rocket stages, and life in space. Fun and facts in a colourful format that's sure to attract young readers. 6-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Jump-Higher-Moon-Didnt-Know/dp/0749653612

World Of Knowledge Library “The Challenge Of Space” (John Paton) $3 PB EC Lovely, colourful book looking at astronauts, man on the moon, the Apollo missions, early spacecraft, satellites, space stations, space colonies and more. 9+

Interfact “Space Travel” CD-ROM Kit $5 EC (Min req Windows 95 or later; Mac System 7.0 or later) Interfact combines the lively design of an excellent information book with the challenge of an activity-packed CD-ROM. These fact-filled books contain amazing facts, photographs, and illustrations, a glossary and an index. Book and disk are cross-referenced to foster both reading and computer skills. This series encourages critical thinking and is well suited for classroom use. Every page contains e-links that can be used to find additional information online. Whether you are fascinated by breathtaking voyages into outer space or you want to learn more about satellites, there is something here for everyone. What is it like to walk in space? How are crews trained before they go off on a real mission into space? What is Space Junk? Can spiders spin webs while they are weightless in space? Any age. http://www.amazon.com/Space-Travel-Interfact-Software-Twocan/dp/1587284650

Aboard The Space Shuttle (Peter Durkin) $1 PB GC Great piccies and interesting info discussing life in a spaceship including the cabin, the launch, weightlessness, food, sleep, personal hygiene and more. 9+

Jacaranda Young Enquirers “Space Technology” (Rob Morrison) $1 PB GC Lots of great photos with easy to understand text looking at the space pioneers, landing on the moon, living in space, spaceship earth and more, Includes a glossary, bibliography, questions and index. 8-11 YO.

Now You Can Read About….Spacecraft (Stephen Attmore) $2 PB VGC Early reader with large type, but great information and lovely, colourful pictures. A factual book designed to stimulate first readers and encourage full participation through observation, memory and imagination. 6-9 YO http://www.readingwell.com/Now_You_Can_Read/Scan4327,%20March%2021,%202007.jpg

Space Create-A-Picture $5 PB VGC Informative text about the solar system and space exploration along with double page backgrounds on which to affix the reuseable stickers of spacecraft, astronauts etc 5-12 YO

New Technology “Space And Aircraft” (Nigel Hawkes) $2 PB FC (Inner binding torn in places but repaired and sound) Heaps of great photos and diagrams of stealth bombers, probes, supersonics, mega jets, and choppers. Surveying recent and current technological developments, includes probes, supersonic jets, space shuttles, and more. Two or three paragraphs briefly summarize the technology, and then several captioned photographs offer examples of contemporary uses. Great for 9+ http://www.amazon.com/Space-Aircraft-Technology-Nigel-Hawkes/dp/0749622849

Stephen Biesty’s Incredible Explosions: Exploded Views Of Astonishing Things (Richard Platt) $8 HB EC Highly detailed color illustrations and text are used to introduce readers to the inner workings of such diverse places and things as a space station, the human body, an Antarctic research station, an airport, a windmill, a movie studio, the city of Venice, Italy and much more. 7+ http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=8749404&matches=20&author=Biesty%2C+Stephen&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*title

The Usborne Young Scientist (Christopher Maynard) $10 PB EC Six Usborne books in one: Spaceflight, Cars, Stars & Planets, Motorbikes, Jets and Trains. Gorgeous Usborne format of fantastic pictures, small text boxes, index and fascinating facts and figures. 9+

The Fantastic Fold-Out Book Of Motor Racing (Jon Kirkwood) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) Examines the background and history of car racing and the construction, operation, and maintenance of the vehicles used. A detailed fold-out shows a cross-section of a car, how it works, and what gives it its speed. 10+ http://product.half.ebay.com/The-Fantastic-Book-of-Car-Racing_W0QQprZ233289QQtgZinfo

I Didn’t Know That Some Trains Run On Water And Other Amazing Facts About Rail Transport (Kate Petty) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) Loaded with fascinating facts and colourful drawings, these titles will prove useful and fun for students. Provides information about different types of trains, including steam locomotives, electric trains, trams, and modern high-speed trains. Projects are simple enough to be done without adult supervision. Search-and-find activities sprinkled throughout the texts will be popular with today's Where's Waldo? loving crowd. Bold lettering (interspersed black pages have white print) is easy on readers' eyes. Italicized words appear in the appended glossaries. These titles are designed to instill interest in students and, as such, they are fine starting points for further learning. 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Some-Trains-Water-Didnt-Know/dp/0749653604

Panorama “A History Of Flight From Balloons To Boeings” (Peter Lafferty) $4 HB EC (Ex lib, some tape residue) It started with the Greek myths of Dedalus and Icarus and has developed into space missions. Humanity's desire to fly and the stages it has taken to achieve flight are illustrated here. The panoramic frieze includes successes and failures, from the beginning of flight to modern computer controlled machines. 9+

Make Your Own Jet Plane: Model To Assemble (Sally Lindley) $4 PB EC This book contains information and histories of jet plane models, a glossary, and detailed instructions on building your own model jet plane with the enclosed heavy stock cut outs. 6+ http://www.biblio.com/books/4024531.html

On The Move “The Story Of A Helicopter” (Angela Royston) $3 PB EC Part of a new series for young children which examines different machines, these books take a "day in the life of" format. Through simple text and colourful drawings, they show how each machine is used. 4-9 YO. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Helicopter-Move-Angela-Royston/dp/0862725372 (Cover a little different)

The Story Of Flight (Lizzy Pearl) $3 PB EC Surveys the history of aviation, from the first attempts to modern supersonic planes. When and how did people first fly? How have planes developed during this century? How does a plane fly? When did the supersonic age begin, and what does the future hold? A wonderful resource for the younger child complete with wonderful illustrations and simple text. 7-11 YO

My First Library “Air Travel” (Robin Kerrod) $3 HB EC Explains the basic principles of flight, how airports are run, and what happens behind the scenes to make our air journeys speedy and safe. The last part of the book takes the child on an imaginary plane journey, explaining all the things that happen during the trip. Great illustrations, clear, simple text. 7-11 YO

Behind The Scenes: Flying The Atlantic (Peter Mellett) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) Discusses various aspects of a jet plane flight across the Atlantic, including checking in as a passenger, activities of the crew, dealing with the weather and landing. Ddescribes and illustrates the sequence of events, people, and technology necessary for a successful plane flight. Two-page spreads discuss various aspects of the preparations and ride. Each chapter begins with an introductory paragraph in bold print; other paragraphs are scattered among the illustrations. Cross sections and other drawings, including that of the instrument panel, are quite detailed.

DK Cross-Sections “Look Inside Planes: See Inside 10 Fascinating Aircraft” (Michael Johnstone) $5 PB EC Which passenger aircraft flies faster than the speed of sound? Why was fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen nicknamed the Red Baron? What were World War I planes made out of? Lets young readers explore the inside of planes by means of colourful cross-sections. Ten planes are presented, each in a two-page spread that contains on average six sentences of facts and a box entitled "Technical Data," which lists length, beam, and other details. Children will probably be more interested in the clear, detailed, well-labelled drawings. A Fokker Triplane and the world's first airliner, the graceful Handley Page, are included along with the Boeing 314 seaplane, a Spitfire, the famed Flying Fortress (B17), and five more appealing aircraft. 8+ http://www.amazon.com/Planes-Look-Inside-Cross-Sections/dp/1564585204

How Things Work “Boats, Ships, Submarines And Other Floating Machines” (Ian Graham) $4 PB VGC (Ex lib) This book answers such intriguing questions as why big ships float and submarines sink… how yachts use the wind to sail… and what instruments a ship's captain uses on the bridge. Text, illustrations, and diagrams examine different kinds of boats and how they work. Includes simple experiments and activities. 9+ http://www.amazon.com/Boats-Ships-Submarines-Floating-Machines/dp/1856978672/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209607567&sr=1-16

The Picture World Of Submarines (R.J. Stephen) $3 HB GC (Ex lib) Taken from a series which uses photographs and simple text to illustrate popular topics, this book looks at submarines. It examines the role of various types of submarine in modern warfare, their different capabilities and looks at the life of a submariner. Lots of photos. 6-10 YO

The World Of Submarines (Walter Stackpool) $3 HB EC Lots of great illustrations and simple text covering the development of subs from the earliest wooden versions to the later models. 9+

Insight Books “Ships” (Bernard Brett) $2 PB VGC Life aboard ship, races across the Atlantic, disasters at sea and types of ships are a few of the many topics covered. Great pictures and photos…a real boy’s book!

Picture Library “Warships” (C.J. Norman) $1 HB VGC (Ex lib) Introduces different types of naval warships with lots of colour photos and large, simple text for the younger reader. Includes index and glossary. 6-9 YO

Snapping-Turtle Guide “The History Of Warships” (Iain MacKenzie) $5 PB EC Unveils the fascinating story of formidable fighting ships through the ages. Informative text combined with unique archive photography enables the reader to gain an extensive and insightful look at the history of naval warfare, from Viking longships to the aircraft carriers of the present day. 9+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Warships-Snapping-Turtle-Guides/dp/1860070264

Usborne Electronic Workshop “How To Make Computer-Controlled Robots” (Tony Potter) $1 HB VGC Clearly illustrated step-by-step instructions showing how to make a robot to connect to your computer. Includes a computer program to make the robot move, an electronic circuit to build and background information on the world of robots and plenty of practical tips on robot building. 13+

Robots: Bringing Intelligent Machines To Life? (Ruth Aylett) $6 HBDJ EC This fascinating book integrates science and technology while posing questions about societal issues that will affect our future...An excellent blend of biology, psychology, physics, and engineering helps the reader understand the dynamic relationship between basic and applied science. Packed with information, the details are explicit, and it's full of fascinating stories and facts. The dramatic pictures and detailed diagrams provide excellent support. 12+ http://www.amazon.com/Robots-Bringing-Intelligent-Machines-Life/dp/0764155415

The Robot Zoo: A Mechanical Guide To The Way Animals Work (John Kelly) $6 HB GC (One fold-out page torn, but repaired.) This striking book wows readers with its unique take on the animal kingdom. Each page features a small inset of one of 16 creatures, along with an abundance of related facts. But the real focus is on the animal's robot twin-and here Kelly and his cohorts pull out all the stops. Tongues firmly in cheek, they draw cutaway views to show each creature's "innards," and explain, from an engineering angle, the function of each part. The rhino robot, for example, has "solid casing to protect the computer (very thick skull protecting the brain)," and "dual food processors (stomachs)." The chameleon sports "protective sleeves for visual receptors (eyelids)" and "flat video screens" that "show camouflage patterns (skin cells called chromatophores lying beneath skin scales)." Brimming with detail, meticulously illustrated and enhanced by several gatefolds, this oversized volume will have young readers (and their adult counterparts) glued to the pages as they gain a real appreciation for the marvels of nature's engineering. All ages. http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Zoo-Mechanical-Guide-Animals/dp/1570360642

How It Works “Wheels And Cranks” (Angela Royston) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) Students will learn how simple machines such as levers, springs, and wheels power more complex machines that we use every day. Contains a project that allows the reader to make a simple machine. The text is reinforced with colourful photos, clearly-labelled diagrams, real-life examples, and easy experiments that allow students to observe the scientific concepts behind the machines. 8-11 YO http://www.buy.com/prod/wheels-and-cranks/q/loc/106/33906077.html

The X-Ray Picture Book Of “Everyday Things & How They Work” (Peter Turvey, illustrator David Salariya) $6 HBDJ VGC (Ex lib) Covers simple machines, clocks, cars, engines, electricity, cameras, communications, computers, calculators, and lasers. An historical perspective and a gradual transition toward the present is provided, discussing pertinent research and/or inventions. Fantastic full-colour, cutaway drawings are labelled and captioned, a visual feast with each topic treated on a double-page spread! 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Things-X-Ray-Picture-Books/dp/0531157318

Technology Topics “Everyday Things” (Chris Oxlade) $3 HB EC Looks at different things around the home like locks and keys, scales, looms, books and furniture from a technology point of view. It answers questions like - What is its purpose? What is it made of? How does it work? Related craft activities help the reader discover these answers. It includes information about the historical development of the objects. 8-12 YO

How Things Work “Groovy Gadgets” (Steve Parker) $8 HB EC Discover the fascinating ins and outs of a huge range of machines and gadgets such as mobile phones, satellite TV, internet, power drill, navigation system, holograms, scuba and much more! Beautifully detailed cutaway artwork shows the inner workings of more than a hundred things and clear, expertly written text explains the secrets of what makes them tick, whirr, beep and rumble. 10+ http://search.barnesandnoble.com/How-Things-Work/Steve-Parker/e/9780755000227/?itm=1 (Similar cover)

Usborne Guide To “TV & Video” (Christopher Griffin-Beale) $3 PB VGC Explains recent video technology, home video equipment, satellite transmission and how they work. Great Usborne format! 12+

Usborne Guide To “Audio & Radio” (John Hawkins) $3 PB VGC An explanation through illustrations and text of sound and the ways it is broadcast and stored with primary emphasis on various types of radio. 12+

Usborne Guide To “Computers” (Brian Reffin Smith) $3 PB EC To lots of people computers are complicated and mysterious machines, but before long, owning a computer will be as common as owning a wristwatch. This book will help your young one learn about computers using brightly coloured illustrations and lots of games and things to make. 12+

The Big Book Of “How Things Work” (Peter Lafferty) $4 HB VGC Tells you everything you need to know about how a wide variety of things work from a traditional pendulum to a modern laser. How does a video record? What makes a car go? How does an x-ray scanner work? What happens in a nuclear power station? Striking illustrations and clear, straightforward text. 9+

Down The Plughole: Explore Your Plumbing (Thompson Yardley) $4 PB EC This is an account of the problems of water supply and personal hygiene. The book spans sewer systems, water supply, plumbing, skin bacteria and washing with a strong accent on environmental concerns. Also contains jokes, cartoons and tongue-twisters. Great illustrations. 7-10 YO

Why Can’t I “Jump Up To The Moon? And Other Questions About Energy” (Sally Hewitt) $5 HB EC (Ex lib) Why can’t I see electricity and why can’t I fly my kite without the wind? Why can’t I live without food? And why can’t I surf without waves? Looks at the questions that children so often ask, and answers them using clear, simple explanations accompanied by fun, eye-catching photographs. Offers practical science; the things that children really do wonder about. A striking and unusual photographic approach brings the scientific explanations to life and captures the child's imagination. The simple, well-balanced text is undaunting but still keeps its tight educational focus. Additional notes for parents and teachers are included to support the child's learning. Contains a table of contents, index, and a glossary. 6-10 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Cant-I-Jump-Moon-Questions/dp/1841384429