How the World Works

By Author / Illustrator

Beverley Young, Christiane Dorion

Genre

Non Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Templar Publishing

ISBN

9781800785588

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

11-05-2023

Synopsis

Journey through the story of our magnificent home planet and its spectacular features in this beautifully illustrated book about planet Earth.

How the World Works tells children exactly that, answering each and every question they have about how Earth was formed, why we get earthquakes and volcanoes, where rain comes from and so much more. Richly informative text from Christiane Dorion combines with Beverley Young's painterly illustrations, taking children on a bright and beautiful discovery of our planet's unique story and wondrous features.

Also available: How the Weather Works

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Reviews

Aimed at KS1, and because its scope is so ambitious, How the World Works needs to simplify scientific theories and present them in an accurate, graphic and interesting way. In large part, it manages to do so, using a pleasing design and clear font throughout.

Readers learn the basic (although still pretty mind-boggling) concepts behind the Earth's formation, its uniqueness, the origins of life and aspects of physical geography including water and carbon cycles, weather patterns, ocean currents, the greenhouse effect, plant structure and function and energy transfers. It is unashamedly scientific in approach, so no mention is made of (for example) indigenous peoples' ideas of Creation. Concepts and theories are presented as fact, which at times jars with rather less scientific inclusions, for example the 'Recipe for Life' and an illustration of a little green man.

I think the book improves as it progresses, with one exception: that it lacks a glossary and index. Teachers will find it useful when introducing a range of curriculum topics. Equally, it would make a good addition to the non-fiction school catalogue.

32 pages / Reviewed by Jane Rew, school librarian