About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is deep in a Lego building phase or expressing big dreams about what they want to create in the future. Originally published in 1979, this Usborne guide is a masterclass in retro-futurism, exploring how scientists and designers once envisioned our current era. It is perfect for children who love engineering and urban planning, offering a mix of scientific optimism and creative wonder. While some of the technology may seem dated to an adult, it provides a fantastic jumping-off point for discussing how ideas evolve over time. It is a gentle, inspiring read for elementary and middle schoolers that encourages them to look at the world around them not just as it is, but as it could be through the lens of innovation and imagination.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and optimistic. It touches on the need for new cities due to overpopulation and resource management, but it approaches these as engineering challenges to be solved rather than impending doomsday scenarios.
Ideal Reader
An 8-to-10-year-old child who spends hours drawing maps, building complex structures, or asking how elevators work. It is also a great fit for a child who feels restricted by their current environment and finds solace in imagining high-tech, orderly worlds.
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