About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking exactly how a motor works or why some cars go faster than others. It is the perfect tool for a young mechanical thinker who finds more joy in a technical diagram than a fairy tale. This classic Usborne guide offers a deep dive into the engineering of high-performance vehicles, featuring the iconic car designs of the late 1970s. Beyond just looking at cool cars, the book fosters a sense of wonder toward human ingenuity and the laws of physics. It introduces complex concepts like aerodynamics and engine displacement through detailed cutaway illustrations that satisfy intense curiosity. While the cars are vintage, the foundational STEM principles remain relevant, making it an excellent choice for building technical vocabulary and a sense of pride in understanding how the world is built.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. This is a strictly secular, technical STEM book focused on machines.
Ideal Reader
An 8-year-old child who prefers facts over fiction. This reader likely enjoys LEGO Technic, spends time looking at how household appliances work, and thrives when given high-level vocabulary to describe their interests.
Parent Prep
None required. However, parents should be aware the book was published in 1978, so the 'future' cars mentioned are now classics. This provides a great opportunity to discuss how technology has evolved. A parent might see their child staring intently at a car on the street or trying to take apart a toy to see the 'guts' inside.
