Stephen Hawking was arguably the world’s most respected scientist and certainly one of the iconic figures of our lifetime. What a loss to us his brilliant mind was – and further, what an absolute inspiration to any who followed his career.
Curated by his equally brilliant daughter Lucy this is a collection of essays which will take readers on an exploration of the universe from its beginning through the marvellous advances made in space exploration and travel and more. Readers of a scientific bent will thoroughly enjoy this especially as it combines both amazing facts and stunning colour photographs.
Particularly if, like us, you have a Science component to your ‘at home’ learning you will find this a wonderful addition for readers from middle primary to middle secondary who are investigating space. It certainly is on our agenda and this one will stay at home a while to cater for this.
Despite it’s scientific content the essays are written in a very accessible style and the many topics investigated which range from the physical explanations of the universe to earth science to robotics and future predictions.
Highly recommended for curious minds from around 10 years upwards.
Y’all know I’m a bit of a non-fiction geek ever since childhood so when I get a pile of Usborne books for all ages my nerdy heart just sings!
Here are some of the riches I have been exploring of late.
True Stories: Polar Adventures – Paul Dowswell
Harper Collins
Imprint: Usborne
November 2018
9781474948135
$9.99
All the great names are here: Peary, Amundsen, Scott, Shackleton, Fiennes as well as some perhaps not so well known. For many children this will be new history as it seems that the stories of these intrepid and courageous explorers are no longer much talked about. Perhaps as the growing awareness of climate change, and disturbances to the Earth’s extremities impinges on oung scientists it is timely to re-visit those who first made research and study in such places possible.
With eight chapters beginning with a general overview of the polar regions and geography and moving right up to the present day this will offer children an opportunity to vicariously explore the harsh and often dangerous polar regions and realise the extreme bravery of those who led the way in such expeditions.
A terrific read for kiddos from around ten years upwards.
Business for Beginners
ISBN: 9781474940139
ISBN 10: 1474940137
Imprint: Usborne – GB
List Price: 19.99 AUD
Lara Bryan
Illustrated by Kellan Stover
With Rose Hall
Business studies are no longer just the province of secondary students with so many primary schools setting up entrepreneur units very successfully. So this book designed for younger readers is the perfect introduction to these burgeoning business tycoons.
Beginning with an outline of what we mean by business and commerce the book divides its information into chapters such as: How to Start a Business, Keeping Track of Money, Making a Product and Growing the Business. Content covers diversifying, advertising, business failures, being a leader and much much more.
Colourfully illustrated and with the text broken up well into manageable chunks aided by comic strip styling, speech bubbles, fact boxes this is an easy-to-read and comprehensible as well as comprehensive ‘textbook’ for the young person aspiring to be a successful business owner.
Highly recommended for readers from around ten years upwards with a special slant towards those who are looking to establish their own enterprise.
100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding
ISBN: 9781474942997
ISBN 10: 1474942997
Imprint: Usborne – GB
November 2018
List Price: 19.99 AUD
When was the webcam invented and why? Do imaginary numbers exist? What is fuzzy logic? Find the answers these questions about the amazing world of numbers, computers and coding, along with loads of other curious, amazing and mind-boggling facts, in this eye-catching book that is absolutely bursting with information.
Oh yes we all know what the current catchcries are don’t we? And seemingly there are plethora books on the topics of coding and computational thinking for all ages. This one at least moves behind the actual ‘how to’ aspect and gives readers a very thorough exploration of all manner of topics from original computing, fascinating maths facts, hacking, successes and failures and more.
If you have kids who are into any of the coding clubs or this is a topic for your classroom there will be no doubt be many who will want to pick it up and discover new information. We do know that the processes of coding will not be done by these youngsters in the future but there is no doubt, as I tell my classes, that their ability to think computationally will stand them in good stead in many situations as they grow older.
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