Review by Booklist Review
Similar in concept and format to How Things Work in the Yard (2011), this appealing book offers miscellaneous information and comments on 25 everyday objects found in the home. The how does it work? question, implied by the title, fits some topics (toothbrush, kazoo) better than others (banana, cat), but each single-page or double-page presentation goes beyond answering the literal question to explore the subject a bit and mention related factoids. The faucet page works beautifully in a literal way, showing a cross-sectional view and explaining what happens when you turn the handle. The sock monkey page shows the basic pattern for cutting the socks and tells about the origins of this iconic toy. The cut-paper collage illustrations are colorful, detailed, and quite useful. Once again Ernst offers a fresh look at familiar objects.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreK-Gr 3-This simple and graphically appealing book capitalizes on the types of questions kids ask. Similar to How Things Work in the Yard (Blue Apple, 2011), it focuses on 25 common household objects. More traditional subjects like faucets, staplers, straws, and nightlights are interspersed with the less-likely topics such as Teddy bears, piggy banks, and sandwiches. In addition to short facts, ideas relating to the topic include recipes, crafts, and activities. A discussion of soap focuses on washing hands, while information about how a kazoo works includes a technique for making one with waxed paper and a comb. Especially charming are the cut-paper illustrations; they are exceptionally clear and colorful. Librarians creating flannel boards might take note of the layering technique here. Children will be drawn to the art and will be inspired to ask more questions.-Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
The randomness of the subjects, from dogs to toilets, socks to bananas, is both appealing and frustrating. Lighthearted but accurate information includes a simple definition, labeled parts, and other related, sometimes whimsical, facts (a cat is defined, but a kaleidoscope isn't). Collage illustrations on a grid background give a technical air to the information in this companion to How Things Work in the Yard. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
All of the household items you take for granted are explained in this colorful and handy volume. Following her How Things Work in the Yard (2011), Ernst comes indoors. Ever wonder how your toilet works? A faucet? A straw? Ernst offers simple answers with engaging illustrations. Writing for a young audience, she mostly explains what can be done with things in our houses. "How does a banana work?" begins the volume, showing the varied uses of the humble banana: rubbing the inside of the skin on mosquito bites; using the leaves for making rugs, ropes and "fancy kimonos"; dipping it in chocolate for a tasty treat. Spoons are not just the workhorse of the utensil drawer; they can be used to make catapults, puppets, musical instruments and mirrors. Similarly, popcorn, sandwiches, scissors, glue, piggy banks and kazoos are featured. The youngest readers will be fascinated by the simple explanations, the bright and whimsical illustrations, and the pleasing design of the volume. Children will begin by browsing and soon find themselves pulled into the stories behind the objects they thought they knew. A good glimpse at how things work in our houses and a great way to encourage children to wonder about their everyday worlds. (Nonfiction. 5-9) ]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
