How the World Works: Know It All, from How the Sun Shines to How the Pyramids Were Built

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

How The World Works by Clive Gifford is brimming with information about pretty much everything! Encyclopedic in scope but fresh and exciting in presentation, this is a great-value, information packed book about the workings of the world. Detailed and eye-catching illustrations are paired with succinct, to-the-point text that explains the phenomena, processes, and systems that affect our world and way of life. Parents will also find this book an invaluable tool when they are tasked withanswering all of those tricky How? and Why? questions!

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Booklist Review

Many of the straightforward yet tricky questions children and young teens pose are addressed right here. This browsable compendium is divided into 5 chapters of approximately 30 pages each Earth and Space, Prehistoric Life, Life, Science and Technology, and History with each chapter containing 12 to 15 ordinary questions on a bold, busy, and colorful two-page spread. Each of these spreads contains specialized information; bright, action-filled backgrounds dominated by schemata or paintings; and intricate diagrams and text boxes wherever appropriate. The information is detailed yet rarely overwhelming. As an added bonus, the author has included a list of websites and books for further information at the end of each chapter, which offers ease of use for readers who wish to explore a specific topic in more depth. A superb book to have on hand when a student asks a question beginning, Why does . . . ? --Petty, J. B. Copyright 2010 Booklist

Horn Book Review

From space and earth science to technology and human history, this wide-ranging survey answers many questions curious readers might have. Busy pages feature stock color photographs, computer-generated illustrations, and diagrams; sidebars support and extend the accessible if superficial text. Each chapter closes with suggested websites and a recommended booklist (of other Kingfisher titles). Ind. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Book Review

A handsome and rangy selection of the world's great systems and phenomena and their workings. Gifford tackles a broad spectrum of processes, creations and biological systems that have both shaped and inhabited the planet--plus a few items out there in the solar system, such as the workings of the sun and the life and death of stars. But for the most part, the material deals with earthly concerns: how the Earth was formed and reformed; how the dinosaurs (may have) lived and (may have) died; how the sprinter sprints; how wind farms generate electricity; how bridges and tunnels are built, not to forget the pyramids and Roman roads; how one besieged a castle; how the Incans built an empire; how the pirates got rich.Gifford's explanations are usually nicely sharp and concise--"An earthquake is a sudden release of built-up energy from Earth's crust. Most earthquakes are caused by extreme forces and pressures that exist near faults--where two plates grind against each other or collide." He leaves some room for further research at times, though: Fusion "creat[es] the nuclei of helium atoms--and energy." Throughout, the artwork is marvelous, with bell-clear diagrams, wonderfully atmospheric, dioramalike historical drawings, and crisp photography, which often by themselves fill some of the gaps in the text. Though not encyclopedic, the many topics addressed get first-class treatment. (Nonfiction/reference. 8-13)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.