STEAM Stories: The Backyard Build (Engineering)

by Jonathan Litton, Magali Mansilla (Illustrator)

Overview

Max and Suzy are bored and wish they had a playground in the garden—can the dynamic duo use their engineering know-how to build a swing, slide, and see-saw? Challenges include: choosing the best material to use, how to measure things, and work out how to test their designs. Next steps at the end of the book detail the engineering behind the story, with hands-on activities for children to experiment with the concepts explained, and find out for themselves how things work.

STEAM Stories is a series of interactive picture books, each introducing a different STEAM topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Join dynamic duo Max and Suzy in these action-packed problem-solving adventures which introduce children to key STEAM concepts through a gripping, interactive story. A review section at the back of each book highlights the key topics, invites children to relate the story to their own experiences, and improves reading comprehension.

This STEAM story introduces the concepts of planning and implementing a project. Together with Max and Suzy, young learners will explore the wonders of engineering.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786032812
Publisher:	words & pictures
Publication date:	09/18/2018
Series:	STEAM Stories Series
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 6 Years

About the Author

Jonathan Litton has written numerous children's books in prose and verse. He loves using his science background to write about sea creatures, space, and saving the planet, but is also fond of penning stories about pirates, princesses, and picnics.

Magalí Mansillais an illustrator based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Magalí uses a variety of techniques to create her illustrations, but her priority is capturing the magic of childhood in dreamlike forms and colors. 

Editorial Reviews

10/08/2018
Litton kicks off the STEAM Stories series of small interactive books. With their kite in a tree, their swing broken, and their soccer ball flat, friends Max and Suzy feel that they have nothing to play with. But when their handy neighbor, Miss Gizmo, builds a bird bath using a broom handle and tray, they are inspired to get to work. Under her guidance, they fix the swing using a sturdy chain, then make a seesaw and slide out of wood they already have. Litton emphasizes the use of problem-solving logic and trial and error: “Although the plastic was slippery, Max couldn’t slide down. ‘Why can’t I slide, Miss Gizmo?’ ” Mansilla illustrates in bright, cartoon graphics speckled with an assortment of potentially useful objects, setting the stage for further inventions. Also available: The Great Go-Kart Race (Science) and Robot Repairs (Technology). Ages 4–6. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly