*Selected as a "recommended title" by the Kansas National Education Association's Reading Circle Commission
Learn how simple machines make work easier in these colorful nonfiction picture books all about science and engineering
What if an elephant sat on your book and refused to move. How could you lift it? Very carefully
You might want to use a pulley. A pulley is one of six simple machines that are designed to make different kinds of work such as lifting, pulling, pushing easier. In Pulleys Pull Their Weight: Simple Machines for Kids, readers solve the problem of a heavy elephant by learning about forces and how we can increase the amount we can lift simply by using a pulley. Concepts including mechanical advantage, moveable pulleys, and compound pulleys make sense with engaging illustrations and lots of real-life examples that kids can spot in their home, schools, and neighborhoods.
An introductory poem offers language arts connections while a hands-on activity at the end reinforces concepts in the book. A glossary and photographs offer even more supplemental learning opportunities.
Pulleys Pull Their Weight is part of a six-book set of Picture Book Science books designed to introduce young engineers to physical science concepts. Other titles are Wedges Make a Point, Screws Keep Things Secure, Levers Lessen the Load, Wheels Make the World Go Round, and Inclined Planes Ramp It Up.
All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core state standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.
Industry Reviews
Praise for other books by Andi Diehn in the Picture Book Science series
Story Monsters
"Science can be fun for your children when they try the STEM activities included in this beautifully illustrated science book about waves."
Children's Literature
"With just a few lines per page, the book's contents are both approachable and informative, describing the anatomy of a pulley and introducing concepts such as loads and grooves in a relatable way."
*Selected as a "recommended title" by the Kansas National Education Association's Reading Circle Commission
School Library Journal
"The combination of humor and everyday experiences make this an enjoyable introduction to simple machines for primary grades."
Booklist Series Nonfiction Showcase
"The newest Picture Book Science series introduces simple machines through poems, declarative sentences that define technical vocabulary in context, and relatable examples supported by bright illustrations featuring diverse casts of characters. Worthy additions for elementary STEAM collections."