The wing action of a robin: the outermost feathers provide most of the forward force, while the innermost feathers supply the lift. From the section on ‘Flight and Flow’ in The Oxford Children’s book of Science by Charles Taylor and Stephen Pople. Aimed at the 10-plus age range, the book offers an accessible account of all aspects of science, ‘from grand themes to basic principles’, and is packed with excellent illustrations. Winner of the 1995 United Kingdom Reading Association Information Book Award for its contribution to children’s literacy, the book is now available in paperback. Oxford University Press Pounds 9.99
