A parent should reach for this book when their child's constant 'how does it work?' questions about everything from the toaster to a car engine have exhausted their own explanations. This classic, illustration-heavy book breaks down the fundamental concepts of energy and power in a way that is accessible and exciting for young minds. It covers different forms of energy (kinetic, potential, solar, nuclear), how we harness it, and the machines it powers. The book fosters a deep sense of curiosity and builds a child's confidence in understanding complex scientific topics. It's perfect for visual learners aged 8-12 who are ready to move beyond simple answers and explore the science that powers our world.
The book addresses the environmental impact of fossil fuels, such as acid rain and the greenhouse effect, in a factual, secular manner. The section on nuclear power discusses its potential dangers, including radiation and the possibility of accidents, and may mention nuclear weapons. The approach is scientific and informative, not sensationalized. The resolution to these issues is presented as a hopeful call for conservation and the development of cleaner technologies.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9 to 11-year-old who is a hands-on, visual learner. This child is a budding engineer or scientist, the one who loves building with LEGOs, takes things apart to see the mechanics, and is fascinated by how complex systems work. They are not looking for a story, but for clear, detailed explanations and diagrams.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the book was published in 1990. Information regarding 'future' energy sources, statistics on pollution, and computing technology will be dated. This can be a great discussion opportunity: 'What did people in 1990 think the future would be like?' A parent might also want to preview the two-page spread on nuclear energy, as it mentions radiation and bombs, to ensure it's appropriate for their child's sensitivity level. The parent has just been asked, for the third time today, 'But how does the refrigerator actually make things cold?' The child is showing a deep and persistent curiosity about the inner workings of the world around them, and the parent wants to provide a resource that can satisfy and encourage this scientific mindset.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily engage with the detailed illustrations of vehicles, machines, and power stations. They'll absorb key vocabulary and grasp the basic concepts. An older reader (10-12) can understand the more abstract scientific principles, such as the conversion of mass to energy in nuclear reactions, and can critically engage with the sections on environmental impact and energy policy.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is the classic Usborne visual style. Unlike text-heavy reference books or narrative science books, its strength lies in the dense, brilliantly illustrated, and clearly labeled cutaway diagrams. Every page is an infographic that breaks down complex machinery and scientific processes into digestible visual components, making it uniquely effective for visual learners.
Read plot summary
This is a nonfiction informational book that provides a comprehensive overview of energy and power. It begins by defining energy and explaining its basic forms, such as potential and kinetic energy. The book then explores various sources of energy including fossil fuels, solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power. Each section uses detailed, cutaway illustrations, typical of the Usborne style, to show how engines, power plants, and other machines work. The content progresses from simple concepts to more complex ones, concluding with a look at energy conservation and the future of power generation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
On pages 14-15, the book shows how a coal power station works. What part of that process surprised you the most?
2
The book talks about many types of energy: solar, wind, fossil fuels, and nuclear. If you had to design the 'perfect' city, what mix of energy sources would you use and why?
3
This book was written in 1990. When you look at the 'Energy for the Future' section, what things did they predict correctly, and what looks different today?
4
The book explains potential energy (stored) and kinetic energy (moving). Can you find three examples of each one in the room we are in right now?
