Machines at Work

These books incorporate brightly-colored page layouts, numerous photographs, separated text boxes, and photo labels to help engage and encourage young readers. Each book shows various ways the title machine works in a community. Each spread has very sparse text. Vocabulary is repetitive and approachable for beginning readers. Every book includes a “Parts of” the machine section which includes a photograph and colorful, descriptive labels. Also included in each title is a picture glossary and a “To Learn More” section that provides one website and a search term, helping early learners navigate the Internet quickly and safely. This series is recommended for primary nonfiction collections and for collections needing more basic titles.

Aimed at emerging readers, these simple introductions to vehicular uses and working parts each begin with useful suggestions for parents and teachers guiding students. Brief sentences (“The robber goes in the back seat. The doors have no handles. The robber can’t get out.”) and photographs will appeal to readers. Each book highlights the basics of the various vehicles, such as the siren, warning lights, radio, computer, and safety gear and first-aid kit in the big trunk of the police car. Most of the titles feature men and women. Some adults may not be comfortable discussing the war vehicles and their uses of guns, rockets, and missiles, but these books should have wide appeal to beginning readers.