Reviews

How Machines Work: Zoo Break! by David Macaulay

mat_tobin's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a clever and engaging way to explore mechanics through the adventures of a sloth and rodent as they try to escape the zoo. The approach didn't quite work for me and elements of the book felt flimsy and easily breakable (don't think it would last long in a school setting) which is a pity because it's Macaulay and his writing and explanations are always spot on.

hrmason's review against another edition

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5.0

So much fun for kids.

libscote's review against another edition

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4.0

I definitely needed to read this one twice. It wasn't the type of book that was meant for me to be reading when I'm tired, because it addresses a part of my brain that I'm not really used to using. I definitely asked for help on how the systems work, because I was trying to understand the book. I think kids might figure it out more readily than I would, and most likely they would be building models to figure it out, rather than trying to visualize in their head. The idea of a sloth escaping was continually funny to me (so much effort!).

mat_tobin's review

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3.0

This is a clever and engaging way to explore mechanics through the adventures of a sloth and rodent as they try to escape the zoo. The approach didn't quite work for me and elements of the book felt flimsy and easily breakable (don't think it would last long in a school setting) which is a pity because it's Macaulay and his writing and explanations are always spot on.
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