Simple Machines: Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

A physics lesson starts while a boy is brushing his teach which are explained as wedges. Two children accompanied by a playful cat and adult seem to be on a play date where each encounter is a learning opportunity. The slide is a prime example of an inclined plane, a seesaw is a lever using a solid bar and pivots while the wheel and axle allow a tricycle to move without causing friction. Gears are toothed wheels which move the Ferris wheel.

The illustrations depict and amplify each simple machine adding fun to the text. Children will be familiar with the park/playground equipment. The book would have been enhanced by subject headings or better transitions to each simple machine. Lower level science teachers will want to add this to their classroom collection and public libraries should add this to the shelves.

Overall Book Score: very good