Book Review: The Big Book of HOW for Kids

SUMMARY: TIME For Kids The Big Book of How presents kids 8-12 years old with answers to the kinds of intriguing questions that appeal to their sense of curiosity. Colorful graphics, spectacular photos and clear, engaging diagrams will help answer such questions as: How does a chameleon change colors?; How can a person survive in the jungle?; How do you build a teepee?; How do diamonds form?; How do light sticks work?; How are 3-D movies made?; How do astronauts train for a space mission?; How do we get cavities?; How does solar energy work?

Divided by subject area-from animals, the human body and technology to sports, food and green issues-kids will discover the background behind the questions through the book's photos, diagrams and art as well as its clear text. Of course, TIME For Kids goes beyond just answering the question, and engages kids with hands-on activities at the end of each chapter that bring life to a topic or idea they just read about. For example: If in the technology chapter kids learn how an airplanefl ies, the "How to" spread might include step-by-step instructions about how to fold a paper airplane or create a rotating helicopter. TIME For Kids The Big Book of How is a must-have book to satisfy the most curious of kids.


OPINION:

Okay I know this is definitely not what I usually review around here, but this book just looked like too much fun to pass up, and I was definitely right! Even if you don't have kids, this one is still really fun and interesting. It hits on the questions of why, why, why that people both young and old constantly think of. With a bunch of facts, but also some really cool experiments and do it yourself kind of things, it has a great set up for use at both home and in the classroom. From talking about the how of hybrid cars to the Panama Canal, there's a big range of stuff in this one and definitely something for everyone. Want to know how Mt. Rushmore was carved, or how an arena can change from an ice rink to a basketball court? It's in here, plus a lot more.

There are tons of rich, full color photos on every page, both in the background and featured in smaller boxes. It is very appealing to the eye, no matter your age, and this book's layout is put together really well. Grouping the chapters by similar topics from animals to science to food, it's got a little of everything. This one reads on an easy level for the youngsters, but doesn't talk down or come across as boring even for adults.

There's lots of little facts mixed in with the bigger concepts, but I think the most fun of this book really is the projects, like how to make your own high-bounce ball or grow your own crystals. A good range of kids of different ages will love a lot of these, and I definitely recommend it for the younger ones you know (and admit you, you want to do this stuff too, no matter your age). So overall, this one is definitely an interesting, and the appeal to kids is obvious and awesome and fun.

Details:

Source: Received from Goodman Media in exchange for an honest review 

Reading level: Ages 9-12 

Hardcover: 192 pages 

Publisher: Time For Kids 

Publication Date: June 7, 2011