Ariel has been expressing some interest in physics recently.  (Actually, she’s been expressing interest in physics since she was three, when she asked me in the car, “Mommy, why when we turn this way [indicating right] do I fall this way [indicating left]?”  But then she didn’t know it was physics.)

She’ll be excited to dive into this book, Explore… Simple Machines.  Explore…Simple Machines is a very approachable book that’s designed with kid appeal.  The target audience is 6- to 9- year-olds, and they seem to have done well at reaching this audience.

Somewhat cartoon-like line drawings illustrate the text, while casual type and a variety of text boxes  break things up and make the layout look “friendly” but not overly busy.  Key words are bolded, then defined right in the sidebars.  The subject is made relevant by multiple text boxes scattered throughout that describe how various simple machines are used in everyday life, and have been used throughout history.  All of this is before we even begin to look at the projects!

Given the subject matter, the projects in this book are all science experiments.  Each one uses pretty common, inexpensive items and can be accomplished by a child.  (Of course, you will want to oversee them.)  Probably the hardest item to obtain is a plastic toy golf putter or metal rods/garden stakes.  The activities are fun things like making ice cream and building a spinning top.

Now I want to see all the other Explore…. books!

Disclosure: Nomad Press provided a copy of the book above, to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.