(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. From pioneering aircraft to the modern-day space shuttle, this in-depth volume uses labeled diagrams and lift-the-flaps to introduce flight history and explain how eight vehicles work. The British collaborators (Trains) demonstrate the variety and international breadth of manmade flying machines. The wide-trim board-book format provides a sturdy foundation for repeat readings of Graham’s dense text and Biesty's trademark ink and colored-pencil cross-sections.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. From the first steam locomotive to new magnetic levitation trains, this in-depth look uses labeled diagrams to introduce railroad history, explain each train's inner workings, and highlight socioeconomic disparities. The board book format with lift-the-flaps initially signals a younger audience, but dense text and Biesty's trademark cross-sectional illustrations in ink and colored pencil add complexity, acknowledging the diverse age range of train lovers.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. This informative guide to the history of space exploration is organized into sections on ancient astronomy, spacecraft and means of propulsion, etc. Jenkins's commentary is clear and conversational yet sophisticated. Biesty's intricate illustrations are a marvel; copiously labeled, they evoke the precision and detail of engineering schematics, but with clever design decisions in layout, detail, and color that make each image friendly and inviting. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2017

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. Readers lift flaps to see the insides of a pumper truck, fireboat, rescue submarine, and five other emergency vehicles in an oversize book that's both engaging and informative. Despite the sturdy board-book construction, the details of the art and text make this well suited to slightly older children who want to learn about technologies such as the "under-wing stabilizer float and pylon."

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. Dillon and Biesty highlight a diverse selection of buildings from different eras, with most being given a splendid gatefold cross-section illustration. Each picture is thoroughly but unobtrusively annotated; the verso of each gatefold page explicates a feature germane to the building. The book provides a modest social and political account of (mostly) European history, and its absorbing pictures and spacious design invite browsing. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2014

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. Meet the Airbus A380®, the Russian Mil Mi-26 helicopter, and six other vehicles that carry goods and people on land, sea, and air. Double-page spreads feature well-labeled, detailed drawings with flaps carefully positioned to reveal the internal workings of each transport marvel. Despite the heavy-stock pages, this isn't a book for toddlers: it's a sturdy and engaging diversion for elementary-age vehicle fans.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. This remarkable book presents fourteen historical explorations, from Pytheas the Greek's three-thousand-years-ago voyage to Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins's moon shot, with the question "how did they do that?" as focus. Detailed cross sections, often displayed in foldout segments, diagram each mode of transportation; maps abound, also within foldout pages. The text diligently differentiates between fact and opinion. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2011

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, and Japan's Osaka Castle are among the structures featured in Biesty's minutely detailed architectural illustrations, which often contain cutaway elements. Each spread is followed by a brief historical account written in an unnecessary fictionalized style and illustrated with color spot art. The book is browsable, but the art is eye-straining. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. Ten double-page spreads depict Rome in 128 C.E. The home of a Roman senator, the chariot races at the Circus Maximus, and the Colosseum are among the places featured in the incredibly detailed cross-section illustrations and discussed in the brief text and captions. Some of the art is reduced to the point that a few of the smaller components appear rather blurry. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Stephen Biesty. Eighteen cleverly illustrated cutaway drawings provide a look at the interiors of a castle, coal mine, cathedral, helicopter, and more. Diagram notes are often humorous, but technical information is sometimes incomplete, assuming knowledge that youngsters may not have. Nevertheless, children will enjoy this popular book's detailed illustrations. Ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow