Spilsbury, Richard & Louise. The Printing Press.

Spilsbury, Richard & Louise.  The Printing Press.  Heinemann (Capstone), 2012. 32p  $29.00  ISBN 978-1-4329-4876-4      elm/ms      VG-BN      

     This is the history of the printing press, from its conception through all stages until the modern day.  It is a great book for young readers and nonreaders alike. Its time-linked graphics and colorful photos will enticed the active minds of young children.
     The text is crisply written and fully illustrated, with a low reading level adapted for understanding. The inclusion of several lists of references for more information (including web sites), a timeline, a glossary, and an index make this a useful research tool.
     As an artist myself, I have worked with wood blocks, metal plate etchings, and letter press printing for miniature books. I can really appreciate the wonders of modern printers and the ease of printing they provide. Young readers will get a clear and concise picture of the printing press.
      This book belongs to the Tales of Invention series, which consists of eight books at this time.

Series subject: Invention

Subject: Printing

Linda McNeil

 

Spillsbury, Louise. Igloos and Inuit Life

Spillsbury, Louise      Igloos and Inuit Life 

Capstone Publishers 2011   24p  17.99     978-1-4296-5529-3           

elem                First Facts(Capstone)           VG       This text

explains some aspects of life for the Inuit.  Especially included is what is an

igloo, how it is made and how it is used.    The Inuit used to live all winter

in igloos.  This simple text explains how an igloo is constructed and a little

bit about what life was like living in an igloo.  The text does explain that

modern Inuit only use an igloo when on hunting trips or for fun.

  Some of the aspects of Inuit life that are introduced are: clothing, food,

hunting, summer living in tents, and transportation.  Each topic is treated only

briefly.

  The photography is excellent, with many of the photos showing children.  The

lay out somewhat busy.  There is the main text in simple sentences and large

print.  There is supporting detail in a smaller font size.  Then there are at

usually two text blocks of further information set into the photograph, almost

like a puzzle piece.  This is inviting to children who can read at different

levels.

  There is a glossary of highlighted words from the text.  The sources for

further reading include 3 books and the Fact Hound web site.  The index is

rudimentary but appropriate for the reading level of the text.  The First Facts,

Big Picture, Homes series consists of four titles that describe homes and the

culture which uses that style of home.       Theal, Joan