Synopsis
An introduction to the ideas and technical developments that produced today's automobiles. Includes a "hands on" activity.
Jean Boreen, Ph.D. - Children's Literature
From its origins as a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci to its actual incarnation in France in 1862 to the potential of solar powered cars, this very short text provides the history of as well as the possible future of the automobile. Well-chosen pictures, dating from about 1900 onwards, help to contextualize the various modifications necessary in the development of today's car. The author also provides one activity for children at the end of the book, "Invent an Automobile," as well as four useful websites for those readers who would like to take this beginning knowledge of the automobile and learn more. However, this text is lacking in a number of ways. First, it is, essentially, a history and it reads like one (I would have encouraged the author to have a bit more fun with the history, maybe citing more humorous examples of the challenges and pitfalls of car design). Second, it does not provide enough contemporary discussion of how cars have changed; considering the invention activity offered at the end of the text, this could have provided an interesting bridge between the cars today and the visions of cars of the future. While serviceable, this book is not as strong as other nonfiction choices on the same topic. Part of the "Great Inventions" series. 2004, Smart Apple Media, Ages 5 to 10.
Editorials
Children's Literature
From its origins as a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci to its actual incarnation in France in 1862 to the potential of solar powered cars, this very short text provides the history of as well as the possible future of the automobile. Well-chosen pictures, dating from about 1900 onwards, help to contextualize the various modifications necessary in the development of today's car. The author also provides one activity for children at the end of the book, "Invent an Automobile," as well as four useful websites for those readers who would like to take this beginning knowledge of the automobile and learn more. However, this text is lacking in a number of ways. First, it is, essentially, a history and it reads like one (I would have encouraged the author to have a bit more fun with the history, maybe citing more humorous examples of the challenges and pitfalls of car design). Second, it does not provide enough contemporary discussion of how cars have changed; considering the invention activity offered at the end of the text, this could have provided an interesting bridge between the cars today and the visions of cars of the future. While serviceable, this book is not as strong as other nonfiction choices on the same topic. Part of the "Great Inventions" series. 2004, Smart Apple Media, Ages 5 to 10.— Jean Boreen, Ph.D.