Features
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Cover Type: Hard Cover with 784 pages
- Published by: Running Press Kids October 29, 2006
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0762404094
- ASIN: B000PHWDM6
-
Book Dimensions:
11.2 x 8.5 x 1.6 inches
- Weighs: 2.9 pounds
From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 4–8—Caney looks at "building" in its broadest sense, encompassing everything from skyscrapers and bridges to bird feeders and peanut-shell "bricks." Opening sections investigate the history and techniques of construction, with clearly written explanations supported by black-and-white photographs and diagrams. By looking at such wide-ranging examples as tree houses, chimneys, and beaver dams, the author reinforces important concepts of design in a way that is fascinating and effective. Background sections on topics such as "adhesives, tapes, and mechanical fasteners" offer useful reference data, and are also thought-provoking. The engaging overview provides strong context for the more than 300 pages of creative and appealing projects that follow. Mosquito traps, newspaper tepees, and a usable greenhouse are just a few intriguing examples. Instructions are clear enough for kids to follow, but also open-ended to encourage creativity and experimentation. Diagrams delineate key steps, while photographs show kids constructing and using the products. Building materials are either household items (including toothpicks, plastic straws, and coat hangers) or easy-to-obtain supplies like PVC pipe (used for a lemonade stand, cat playground, and more). Grouped by material type, such as blocks, rods, and panels, the projects successfully demonstrate how choices of design, construction, and raw materials apply to key principles of tension and compression. Portions of this book are especially useful for reference facts and science projects. Taken as a whole, it's a comprehensive exploration of building presented in a way that leads to true learning and a lot of fun.—
Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Product Description
Ever wonder how a suspension bridge can cross a gap thousands of feet wide? Want to know how to build a comfortable lounge chair out of cardboard boxes? Or what keeps a massive cathedral dome from collapsing? Discover the answers to these and many more questions in
Steven Caney’s Ultimate Building Book, a wonderfully comprehensive exploration of design, construction, and invention that will stimulate the curiosity of children and adults alike. Much as David Macaulay's blockbuster
The Way Things Work did for machines and devices a decade ago, this definitive volume from best-selling author Steven Caney details the ins and outs of construction in all its fascinating forms. Packed with exciting building projects guaranteed to engage anyone from age 4 to 104, the Ultimate Building Book gives easy-to-follow instructions for creating amazing models and toys that are as much fun to make as they are to play with! Readers are also introduced to a wide variety of household materials and tools that can be used for building, along with fascinating insights into the architectural and design properties of everything from drinking straws to yurts. A mammoth project in its own right, this book has been under construction for more than a decade. The result is hundreds of superbly illustrated pages that will enlighten and fascinate armchair architects of all ages for years to come.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Reader Reviews
This review is from: Steven Caney's Ultimate Building Book (Hardcover)
Wow, this book is hu-u-u-ge and has a lot of really cool information appropriate for a wide range of ages. I can't imagine a kid ever getting bored with this book around.
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