Review Detail

How do instruments make sound? Why is it cold when we get out of the pool? What's different about throwing a ball or a frisbee? This book answers all that and more, presenting a colorful guide to the science behind the day-to-day tools and phenomena we encounter on the city streets, at a construction site, and in other neighborhood locations.

This book is absolutely stuffed with information. Between the illustrations (some scientific, some just for fun) and the post-it note style sections explaining different topics, there's no space left unused. I really like the diversity of topics, which ranges from traditional city infrastructure topics like underground utilities and driving safety to amusement parks to heat transfer and buoyancy in the kitchen.

All the fun facts are sure to please curious minds. And while various science topics are present throughout, I wouldn't be intimidated by physics being front and center in the title. The book focuses on describing an item or experience first (example, roller coaster speeds) and then how that relates to physics (acceleration/deceleration).

A great read for everyone of all ages who likes to learn how the world works.