
Reach for this book when your child starts asking big questions about how the world works, specifically why shadows change or how people told time before digital clocks. It is the perfect remedy for a rainy afternoon when a curious mind needs a hands-on project that bridges the gap between abstract science and physical reality. Mitsumasa Anno uses brilliant paper engineering to turn the book itself into a series of working sundials. It explores the relationship between the Earth and the sun, teaching geometry, astronomy, and history through interactive pop-ups. It is best for children aged 7 to 11 who enjoy building things and possess the fine motor skills to handle delicate paper flaps. It fosters a deep sense of wonder and pride as children realize they can track the movement of the cosmos using nothing but paper and light.
None. This is a purely secular, scientific, and historical exploration of timekeeping.
A nine-year-old 'maker' who loves LEGOs or models and is beginning to ask about the solar system. It is also perfect for a student who finds traditional textbooks dry but thrives with tactile, kinesthetic learning.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThis book requires a sunny day and a flat surface to fully appreciate. Parents should preview the fold-out instructions to ensure they don't accidentally tear the delicate sundial pieces when helping their child. A parent might see their child squinting at a shadow on the driveway or asking, 'Why is it getting dark earlier today?'
A 7-year-old will be fascinated by the 'magic' of the pop-up shadows and the basic idea of the sun moving. An 11-year-old will grasp the more complex geometry and the historical evolution of timekeeping across different cultures.
Unlike standard science books that just show pictures of sundials, Anno's Sundial IS a sundial. It transforms a passive reading experience into a laboratory experiment, utilizing Anno's signature elegant illustrations and precise engineering.
This is a nonfiction conceptual book that details the history and science of the sundial. It explains Earth's rotation and tilt, how these movements create shadows, and how humans have harnessed that knowledge to measure time. The standout feature is the paper engineering: several pages include pop-up elements or fold-out gnomons that allow the book to function as a real sundial when placed in the sun.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.