The Story of Books (Stories of Everyday Things)($8.99Value)

Description

You see books at school, at libraries, and at home. But who invented books? What materials are used to make a book? How do books make it onto shelves around the world? These questions and many more will be answered in this book about books. The Stories of Everyday Things series describes the origin of ubiquitous children's objects through short chapters with easy-to-read, straight-forward text and both modern and historic photographs. Each volume opens with a history of how the object was originally conceived and created, while successive chapters look at how the object is now manufactured and distributed to stores. The Story of Balloons traces the evolution of these part decorations, from Aztec balloon sculptures made from cat intestines to Michael Faraday's and Charles Goodyear's contributions to rubber balloons to the metal molds used to shape today's latex balloons. The Story of Bicycles concentrates on early renditions of the bicycle and how the different parts of current bicycles are manufactured separately, distributed, and then assembled to make this sporting equipment. The Story of Books acknowledges different book formats but focuses on printed books, including early papermaking and printing, the importance of the inventions of moveable type and the printing press, and large-scale, automated printing of books today. The Story of Teddy Bears incorporates Teddy Roosevelt's influence on the stuffed animal's creation and relates similarities and differences from their original production to how they are manufactured today. Blending STEM with childhood favorites, these high-interest books close with a game or activity related to the object.--Angela Leeper "Booklist" Short paragraphs and full-page ­photos take readers through the history of each object, how they're made today, and how the item is important to us. While titles are meant for a younger audience, the text does not shy away from the reality of some of the topics, such as the use of unprotected child workers in the production of chocolate. ­Vocabulary words are bolded in contrasting colors throughout. Along with a glossary and index, back matter includes a suggested activity, and resources for further reading. Whether readers are looking for fun facts or deeper discussions, this series shows how everyday objects can play an important role in our lives. VERDICT Good for inquisitive ­elementary readers.--Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metro Library, OH "School Library Journal" Mae Respicio is a nonfiction writer and middle grade author whose novel, THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT, won an Asian/Pacific American Libraries Association Honor Award and was an NPR Best Book. Mae lives with her family in California and some of her favorite everyday things include books, beaches, and ube ice cream.