'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 1 May 2015

Review: Genius! The Most Astonishing Inventions of All Time

If only this book had been around when I was kid, I'm sure I would have enjoyed Science more at school! This book is a must-have for any child with an enquiring mind — and, let's face it, that's pretty much all of them.

Arranged chronologically, from Archimedes in the third century BCE up to Wernher von Braun (inventor of the space rocket) in 1969, Genius! covers the machines, technology and ideas that have changed our lives, shaken the world, and shaped our future.

Each invention is covered in four pages. The opening spread gives the basic facts: what was the 'big invention', who made it, where, when, how and why. The following spread tells the story, bringing to life the inventors and explaining the difficulties faced and how those challenges were overcome.

Sidebars on each page give 'Extras' such as other inventions by the same person, more background information on a particular subject or even experiments that kids can try at home. Every page is packed full of fascinating information that kids and adults will love. I have been dropping my newly learned scientific titbits into conversations at every opportunity lately, because this book is that good!

Title: Genius! The Most Astonishing Inventions of All Time
Author: Deborah Kespert
Publisher: Thames & Hudson, $29.99 RRP
Publication Date: May 2015
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780500650431
For ages: 9+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction