How to Build a Rocket

From the bright, stylish cover and end papers to the informative content within, this is an attractive hardback. Playful illustrations, combining clarity and realism with humorous captions, add extra appeal.

Author Fran is a scientist, but clearly a great team is behind this book. The paper is high quality and attention has been paid to getting the approach right: 'chatty' text that addresses the reader, but with due regard to safety and practicality (urging adult supervision and help, e.g. with tasks that require a high level of dexterity or with purchase of materials).

Readers are encouraged to accept 'failures' as valuable learning opportunities, as all engineers and scientists must. Thus, with clear, step-by-step instructions to follow and explanations given, the encouragement of an expert urging them 'onwards and upwards', and the cooperative working of their team, KS2 children can expect amazing results. They really can design, build and launch a rocket!

True, there are some differences between the playground/back garden version and the NASA/ESA one: the former will rely on an acid-alkali reaction, not the burning of highly combustible fuel (Phew!). But the process is similar.

This book could be the start of great things and ignite a passion for Product Design & Technology / Engineering studies in later years. It is sure to prove popular with children who enjoy science, but also with those more inclined towards creativity (artistry as well as functionality make the best rockets) and to teachers (as an example of instruction-writing in a non-fiction text).

64 pages / Reviewed by Jane Rew, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 7+