Tools ¦ Machines

'Readabouts' adopt a similar approach and style of presentation to the familiar 'Knowabouts', 'Talkabouts' and 'Thinkabouts', allowing their subjects maximum impact on the page with a minimum of text. However, though brief, the text is effective, making useful points that can be applied beyond the pages of the book.

Tools looks at garden tools, garage tools, kitchen tools, and one or two more unusual groups. There are sufficient close-ups for children to examine some tools in detail, and plenty of starting points for groupings of their own. Machines moves from familiar domestic machines to fork lift trucks and robots.

By careful grouping, juxtaposition of contrasting items, and pictures of amusing but inappropriate uses, points are made about such things as scale, structure, and purpose. The text can be read by child or adult, and encourages observation and discussion rather than offering snippets of information.