(3) K-3 Fast Track: Simple Machines series. Captioned color photographs and instructive diagrams accompany these clear, simple texts that explain to young readers the science, mechanics, history, applications, and embellishments of six simple machines. An appended pictorial spread quizzes readers on identifying the machine being discussed, followed by a one-page set of directions describing how to build the machine and use it practically. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fast Track: Simple Machines titles: Levers, Pulleys, Ramps, Screws, Wedges, and Wheels and Axles.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) K-3 Flintstones Explain Simple Machines series. Illustrated by Paco Sordo. Fred Flintstone describes the basic workings and everyday uses of simple machines in these cartoon books. Small inset photos of modern real-world examples connect readers to sound factual material, but the text format--paragraph-long word bubbles of tin-eared dialogue ("something tells me today is going to be a great day for using pulleys") in small type--is cumbersome. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Flintstones Explain Simple Machines titles: Fred Flintstone's Adventures with Inclined Planes, Fred Flintstone's Adventures with Pulleys, and Fred Flintstone's Adventures with Wheels and Axles.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Simple Machine Projects series. Each book alternates definitions of simple machines and their effects on force, work, and energy with step-by-step activities in which readers are directed to build and test examples of the machines. Helpful photographs illustrate the activities and provide everyday examples, while guiding questions help students focus on the physics. Facts about historical and modern applications are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Simple Machine Projects titles: Making Machines with Pulleys, Making Machines with Ramps and Wedges, and Making Machines with Springs.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Last-Minute Science Projects series. Typical science activities are sorted by the amount of time they take to complete--all under an hour, for readers desperate to meet their homework deadlines. Step-by-step directions, diagrams, and full explanations of the results undermine the learning potential, although each experiment is accompanied by good but easy-to-bypass suggestions to "keep exploring." Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Last-Minute Science Projects titles: Atoms and Molecules Experiments Using Ice, Salt, Marbles, and More, Electricity and Magnetism Experiments Using Batteries, Bulbs, Wires, and More, Energy Experiments Using Ice Cubes, Springs, Magnets, and More, Human Body Experiments Using Fingerprints, Hair, Muscles, and More, Simple Machine Experiments Using Seesaws, Wheels, Pulleys, and More, and Solids, Liquids, and Gases Experiments Using Water, Air, Marbles, and More.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Searchlight Books: How Do Simple Machines Work? series. These books start with definitions of force, work, and machines, then explain how machines reduce the amount of force needed to do work. Interactivity is encouraged, as readers are directed to perform simple experiments along with children shown in accompanying pictures; the texts provide guidance on what to look for. Clear explanations, relatable examples, and effective visuals make these solid selections. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: How Do Simple Machines Work? titles: Put Inclined Planes to the Test, Put Levers to the Test, Put Pulleys to the Test, and Put Wheels and Axles to the Test.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Simple Machines series. Machines couldn't be any simpler in this newly revised series that introduces six basic tools for making work easier. Clear, brief text accompanies pictures of everyday objects showing force applied, motion achieved, and effort reduced. The concepts behind levers are easiest to understand, while gears and pulleys are more challenging. Easy activities invite experimentation so kids can see for themselves how things work. Glos., ind. Review covers these Simple Machines titles: Levers, Pulleys and Gears, Ramps and Wedges, Screws, Springs, and Wheels and Cranks.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Buddy Books: Simple Machines series. Attempting to explain physics to a very young audience, these books wisely follow a simple template involving definition, parts, principles, history, and applications. Some of the color photos, diagrams, and clip art are clear; others, such as a complicated wheel and axle, are confusing. Some definitions are helpful, while others are incomplete (e.g., how a wedge can help fasten is never explicit). Glos., ind. Review covers these Buddy Books: Simple Machines titles: Inclined Planes, Levers, Pulleys, Screws, Wedges, and Wheels & Axles.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Science Experiments series. Besides color photos of children performing the experiments and other related material, the busy pages in this series include accurate written explanations and diagrams of the theory of these phenomena, as well as boxes of related information. While some experiments may be too delicate for children, most are practical. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Science Experiments titles: Flight; Gravity; Levers, Wheels, and Pulleys; Magnetism; Solids, Liquids, and Gases.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Machines in Action series. These books introduce simple mechanisms, explain their basic scientific principles, and show how they are used in almost every aspect of civilization, including transportation, architecture, and farming. The simply written texts include instructions for pertinent projects and experiments; questions are scattered throughout each volume. Photos, illustrations, and blocks of text with colored backgrounds contribute to the books' crowded layouts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Bridgestone Science Library series. These six easy-to-read science books, which explore simple machines, could easily have been combined into one volume. Each book describes how a particular machine works and offers examples of how it's used in everyday life. At books' end, a hands-on science experiment encourages students to investigate the physical concepts further. Color photos accompany the bland texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire