Big Machines

Children have always adored watching "big machines doing big jobs," and this book provides ample opportunity for both boys and girls to read about these machines and the jobs they do knocking down an old building and creating a new park where people and animals can have fun. Although boys will be sure to read this book over and over again, make no mistake -- many girls adore watching construction equipment and all the noises they make!

This is a good book for the little guy (or gal) who is learning to read and who justs loves Big Machines (like my nephew!) Ordinarily I prefer illustrations, but this book shows photographs of big machines which is good for showing kids exactly what they look like so that when they see one passing by they will be able to identify it thereby reinforcing their learning. It also defines certain relevant words about each machine which I really liked.

Okay. My girlie-girl wasn't interested - at all (lol) -in this book. But I'm sure that plenty of other girls and boys would be. There are lots of bright photos of heavy equipment: crane, bulldozer, dump truck, excavator, tipper truck, concrete mixer truck, water tanker, roller, forklift, panel van, big truck. Plus there is something to learn. For example, I never knew that the big trucks that flattened asphalt (rollers) had their rollers filled with water. I particularly like that all of these machines are shown in the context of a project. In this case, an old factory is being torn down and replaced by a park (something I think will engage the interests of quite a few children.) Because of this format, children will see (if it's pointed out) that projects take shape in stages. First, for example, the old building needs to be torn down, the rubble taken away. Then paths need to be laid and a pond dug out. Once the pond is dug, it needs to be filled with water. Sod and flowers need to be brought in and planted... and on and on. Four Stars. [B-]. There is a concept here and not `just' heavy equipment. The text is not for those seeking a first reader. While the vocabulary is not overly difficult, there are frequently more than two sentences per page. This might be good book for readers with a little experience under their belts. The text from page 18 follows so you to judge for yourself. The pond needs concrete to line its base. A concrete mixer brings concrete. It's drum goes around and around and concrete pours out of a special chute.

We first found this book at the library. We read it so often that my 2.5 year old son can finish each sentence and page. Great book for reading to kids and teaching them basic construction vocabulary! The pictures are great and easy to use to engage the children in a beyond-the-book discussion.

Big Machines is great for beginnning readers who may still be struggling. It has machines, BIG machines which engross youngsters. It has repetetive text, which makes it easy to catch on. It even has a dictionary with the page number the word can be found on. The pictures keep the children interested, because he (or she) wants to read it.