(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 First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work series. "You can use a wrench to fix your bike." Using one or two caption-like sentences and a large photograph per page, each formulaic book introduces beginning readers to a common tool. After identifying the tool, the text describes how it is used; a final page offers more details. Two pages of safety tips (most are the same through the series) are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work titles: What Does a Wrench Do?, What Does a Screwdriver Do?, What Does a Hammer Do?, What Does a Level Do?, What Does a Saw Do?, and What Do Pliers Do?.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work series. "You can use a wrench to fix your bike." Using one or two caption-like sentences and a large photograph per page, each formulaic book introduces beginning readers to a common tool. After identifying the tool, the text describes how it is used; a final page offers more details. Two pages of safety tips (most are the same through the series) are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work titles: What Does a Wrench Do?, What Does a Screwdriver Do?, What Does a Hammer Do?, What Does a Level Do?, What Does a Saw Do?, and What Do Pliers Do?.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work series. "You can use a wrench to fix your bike." Using one or two caption-like sentences and a large photograph per page, each formulaic book introduces beginning readers to a common tool. After identifying the tool, the text describes how it is used; a final page offers more details. Two pages of safety tips (most are the same through the series) are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work titles: What Does a Wrench Do?, What Does a Screwdriver Do?, What Does a Hammer Do?, What Does a Level Do?, What Does a Saw Do?, and What Do Pliers Do?.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(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