Wood

Books on commodities and materials are always in demand to support the curriculum but they often tend towards the worthy rather than the stimulating. Wood, in the new 'Links' series, manages to avoid this pitfall. It works through an informative, well-targetted text showing rather than stating that wood is vital and exploring the attraction of wood (its grain, warmth and so on). The design is good, diagrams clear and photographs relevant and informative. There are some weaknesses. I'm not sure that the 'Projects with Wood' section contributes much - do the end products justify the time taken to make them? And does the magnified drawing to demonstrate the difference between hard and soft woods reveal the answer? But these are minor points in a useful - dare I say it - enjoyable book, which is ideal for the Primary school library.