How Cars Work

Description

A unique, interactive guide to understanding how cars operate. From the parts of a car, its controls and engine to acceleration, gears, suspension and steering this title teaches the science behind cars in a fun, accessible way. Readers can then put this science into practice by building working models using the perforated workshop board and colour-coded machine parts. A timeline on every spread explores how cars have developed throughout history. With a hands-on approach that brings theories to life, this is a must for budding mechanics and engineers!

Author Nick Arnold is best known for his Horrible Science series, published by Scholastic. He has always regarded himself as a writer rather than specifically a science writer, and his background is journalism and publishing. Illustrator Allan Sanders studied illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal College of Art in London, and has since worked for The Economist, The Guardian, New Scientist, Vodafone and Penguin USA. Contributor location: Nick Arnold lives in London, UK; Allan Sanders lives in the UK.

In these times when everyone comes into contact with cars, learning a bit about the basic mechanisms would seem to be required. Meeting that need is Nick Arnold's book, How Cars Work: the Interactive Mechanisms that make a car move. Intended for children from 7 year of age and older, this colourful and interactive book provides the instructions and parts for ten small working models of various car systems made of card, so children can assemble them and make them move to gain a basic hands-on knowledge for how cars work. In colourful two page spreads filled with diagrams and cartoons, this book covers the basic mechanics for controls such as windscreen wipers, pedals such as accelerators, as well as valves, gears, wheels, suspension, steering, brakes, and pistons. The parts for each mechanism are printed on heavy card stock and are colour-coded for easy identification. They are assembled by being affixed with plastic nuts and bolts to the detachable card stock pegboard workshop. Although the models are presented clearly enough that most children can suss out how to build them on their own, I'd guess that most parents will enjoy helping. Overall, this interactive children's book is interesting and educational as well as being fun. * The Guardian *