Intended for age five and above, this book covers subjects such as, What is Science? Being Alive, Your Body, Changing Materials, Pushes and Pulls, and Light and Sound. The illustrations are clear and informative, particularly those that give transparent or cutaway views. Some of the practical activities will require adult help. As the language and demands are rather high, the book is probably better suited to older children who are quite good readers. There is a glossary of important words and a simple index.

Douglas Newton is Professor of Education at Newcastle University