 2008-11-29 - Includes A Lesson in Reproduction
I flipped through this book today with intentions of buying it for my 7 year old son. He is a huge fan of David Macaulay, and has thoroughly enjoyed The Way Things Work. I did not, however, purchase the book because of the last chapter on reproduction. This will be a great tool for kids who are ready for that particular lesson in life, however my 7 year old is not quite ready. The cross-section sketch of a penis inserted in the vagina as well as the page on the sperm's journey entitled "Winner Takes All!" is just a bit too much information for the younger child. We will be waiting a couple of years before purchasing this beautiful and informative book.
 2008-11-26 - What Went Wrong?
What a disappointment!
The intended audience for this book--as stated--is 9-12 year old children. No way. The text is incredibly confusing and wanders all over the place. An educated adult would find it hard to follow. It attempts to cover a mother load of topics and in doing so lacks simplicity and understanding. The situation is compounded by the enormity of illustrations (and size) which only tend to confuse, rather than help explain the text.
It's a mess. What happened Mr. Macaulay, I expect better from you?
 2008-11-24 - learn about your body and have a few laughs too
David Macaulay has taken on the "ultimate" construction, the human body, with his usual skill, expertise and humor. This is a book for all ages, to learn about cells, the relationship of one part of the body to another, the way systems work together and depend on each other and the functionality and beauty of this body we know very little about.
2008-11-12 - THE WAY WE WORK
GREAT AND CREATIVE DRAWINGS. SUPERB WRITING THAT MAKES INTRICATE SYSTEMS VERY UNDERSTANDABLE AND VERY MUCH ALIVE.
2008-11-11 - David Macaulay has done it again.
This is a great book with accurate information pertaining to the structures of the human body. The illustrations seem to "pop" off the pages, which attract children of all ages. It would be an excellent addition to a classroom library.
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