Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World

By Author / Illustrator

Roma Agrawal, illus Jisu Choi

Genre

Non Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Hachette Children's Group

ISBN

9781510230750

Format

Hardback

Published

29-08-2024

Synopsis

Technology and engineering surround us. From HUGE things, like spaceships and skyscrapers, to much smaller things like the toaster in our kitchen and the shoes on our feet. But all of these things only exist because of seven small inventions: the nail, the wheel, the spring, the magnet, the lens, the pump and ... string. And each of these inventions has a fascinating story to tell.

Travel through centuries of history, through ancient Egypt, along the Silk Road, across the high seas and even into space, and discover how each of these seven small inventions came to be, how they work and how they changed the world forever. Find out how it's thanks to the potter's wheel that the International Space Station exists, and how the same nails that built pirate ships hold together the tallest buildings in the world.

In this children's illustrated adaptation of her adult book, Nuts and Bolts, award-winning engineer turned bestselling author Roma Agrawal makes STEM accessible, intriguing and aspirational, and encourages children to be endlessly curious about the 'things' that make up our world.

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Reviews

Sue

Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World is an utterly fascinating read which shares the story behind these small inventions which have transformed our lives. Perfect for sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of creative minds, this is a brilliant book!

The inventions covered are nails, wheels, springs, magnets, lenses, string and pumps. Each is clearly introduced with a spread outlining its history and development. This is then followed by pages on how the invention actually works, examples of other inventions which use that technology and finally, a focus on one particular thing which uses it.

Clear explanations are offered at each stage and, although there is no glossary, many technical terms are explained within the text. The book is full of vibrant, colourful illustrations which add plenty of interest and appeal to each invention.

It certainly helps children understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world! Having said that, there is much here to interest and engage adults as well.

64 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher