100 Things to Know About Food

I confess to being a bit of a foodie, so this book grabbed me from the start. In a combination of science, facts and humour, the book looks at a range of food, from fruit to dairy to drinks, as well as some original and off beat ideas around the topic, like pasta shapes or eating insects. Part of a set of 100 things around different topics, like space or the human body, this is the stand out book for me. The originality of the ideas and the simple lay out made it a book I wanted to keep going back to (and have a chuckle over). Each spread is a fact, in no apparent order, including headings like 'You can't make jelly with kiwi fruit' and 'Ketchup is both solid and liquid' (Which explains a huge amount about why ketchup can be so infuriating!). The pages go on to explain the science through easy to read text and clear diagrams, with a funny, blobby little person illustrating the ideas in different ways. There is something remarkably appealing about the whole book, from the little blobby person to the bright colours, the lay out and the content. It is also entertaining enough to encourage even the most reluctant reader to study the pages - I'm sure the page about deadly food; who knew cashews could kill you?- will become one of many well thumbed and pored over facts. (Don't worry about the cashews, though you will have to read the book to find out the details). The only niggle I have with this book is the lack of contents page, which slightly frustrates me, as I like to dip in and out of a book like this. The index does have some items in bold to denote the main page, but I still miss the contents. There is, however, an excellent and full glossary and also links to a website, with further links to information on Youtube and BBC (with guidance on supervising children whilst using the internet.) I was a bit disappointed that this turned out not to be Usborne's own additional facts, particularly as this book was so good. Overall this is great book and not only would be a good addition to the classroom, but a lovely gift for an enthusiastic STEM fan. 128 pages / Ages 8+ / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, consultant.

Suggested Reading Age 7+