Book review: 'How Things Work' is a wonderful update on a classic series

When I was growing up, my three brothers were forever reading the series, "How Things Work." There were all kinds of things they read about: telescopes, the human body, cars; you name it, they read about it.

But not me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I tried a few of those books out, but none of them appealed to me. They were too technical and there weren't enough pictures (let's pause right now and mention that one brother went on to be a rocket/airplane engineer and is never allowed to tell me what he's working on, another works over in the Silicon Slopes area doing some kind of tech stuff, and the third is an entrepreneur and philosopher). But my brothers thought those, "How Things Work" books were some of the best things to ever come home from the library.

So, with them in mind, when I was asked to review the newest edition of "How Things Work," by National Geographic Kids, I jumped at the chance. I mean, we all want our children to grow up to be our retirement be successful nerds, right? Yeah, that's what I thought.

But, I must say, this book is verrrry different from the "How Things Work" books I grew up watching my brothers devour.

First of all, this book covers so many processes, inventions, and ideas, that it can get rather mind-blowing. But in a good way. For instance, it describes how both medieval and modern day toilets work, but without getting disgusting. It goes into microwaving details and explains why the food gets hot but the plate stays cool. It also explains, and gives a great illustration, about whether tractor beams (think of Star Trek) work. It tells the story of how sticky notes were invented (it took more than a decade for the scientist to convince 3M of how worthwhile the product was). There are also fun crafts/experiments to do like making a homemade ukulele. There's so much information, with incredible illustrations and photos, that this book is one I like to keep on my coffee table (have I mentioned that my kids have renamed it the book table? Because that's all that's ever on it) for easy access.

Image by National Geography Kids

Basic physics principles, like kinetic energy, are explained using the fun example of a bounce house. I mean, what kid doesn't love, and is fascinated by, bounce houses? There are also several scientists/engineers that are spotlighted, making all this stuff seem even more real because actual faces are put with what kids are reading about.

At 200 pages, this book is one that's fun to just open up to a random place and start reading. There's nothing offensive in it and it's geared for ages 7 and up. This book is a great way to keep minds sharp during the summer or to use as a homeschool supplement. Or, hey, just to read because you love learning. I'm glad "How Things Work" is hardback because my kids have gone through it a lot and it's held up under their constant perusal.