
A parent would reach for this book when their child starts asking questions about the past, like “What was it like when Grandma was a little girl?”. It’s a perfect first introduction to the concept of history and change. The book uses simple, side by side comparisons to show how everyday items like phones, cars, and kitchens have evolved from 'then' to 'now'. The illustrations are clear and engaging, sparking a child's natural curiosity about progress and invention. For ages 5 to 8, it’s a wonderful, gentle non-fiction read that opens up conversations about family history and the passage of time.
None. The book is a straightforward, secular, and factual comparison of technology and lifestyle. It avoids all sensitive social or personal topics.
A 5 to 7 year old who has just become aware that the world was different in the past, likely triggered by conversations with grandparents. This child is inquisitive, enjoys non-fiction, and is fascinated by how everyday objects work and have changed. They are moving from concrete to more abstract thinking.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book can be read cold, but parents should be prepared for the fact that the 'now' of 1990 is now its own version of 'then'. This presents a great opportunity to add a third layer to the conversation: “This book shows a phone with a cord as 'now', but look at our phones today!”. A parent can also prepare to share personal anecdotes about their own childhood to enrich the experience. The child asks a question like, “Did you have cell phones when you were a kid?” or “How did people watch TV before we had remote controls?”. The parent is looking for a simple, visual tool to explain the concept of time and technological progress without getting into complex historical dates or events.
A younger child (5-6) will focus on the direct visual comparisons. They will find the old-fashioned items novel and funny. An older child (7-8) will start to grasp the bigger concept of invention and progress. They might ask why things changed, leading to discussions about science, engineering, and societal needs.
Unlike many history books that focus on specific eras or events, this book's strength is its simple, effective 'Then/Now' structure. This framework isolates and clarifies the core concept of change over time for young minds. Its 1990s publication date adds a unique and valuable 'time capsule' element for modern families, creating a three-point comparison (past, recent past, and present).
This is a comparative non-fiction book, not a narrative story. Each two page spread is dedicated to a specific theme (e.g., travel, communication, home life, school) and uses clear illustrations to contrast an object or scene from 'then' (the past) with its equivalent from 'now' (the time of publication, 1990). Topics include horse and buggy vs. car, washboard vs. washing machine, and slate vs. notebook.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.