Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Book Review - What Does a Level Do?


What Does a Level Do?

By: Robin Nelson
Publisher: Lerner Publications
Publication Date: August 2012
ISBN: 978-0761389811
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: October 2012

There are all kinds of tools, but some are easier to recognize. For example, most kids can recognize a hammer or a screwdriver, but some are a little more difficult. What is that tool that "has two flat bars" that has "small windows" between them? It's called a level. There are uses for all kinds of tools and "levels make jobs easier." Two boys look carefully at the bubble in the middle to determine if the board they have placed it on is level or flat. When you use a level they "work across and up and down." The woman with the hard hat and safety glasses on is using it up and down.

When you take a look at the level's little windows you will notice a small tube. Within the tube there is a bubble that moves back and forth. If you take a close look at the pictures you can see a level with three tubes and another with two. If you have a level you can try placing it on a shelf and watch as the "bubble moves to the center of the tube." Check out the library shelves in this book. In one the "bubble is centered" and the other it's not. It's easy to see that the first "shelf is straight or even." Can you think of other ways to use a level?

This book is a good way for young children to learn about the level and how it is used. The photographs are visuals that are very useful tools in themselves as it is easy to see the purpose of the level and how it is used. The two-page spread which shows the two library shelves will be particularly helpful. The series, "Tools at Work," discusses the hammer, level, saw, screwdriver, wrench, pliers, and their use. I do like the stress on safety measures as many kids enjoy using and learning about tools. In the back of the book is an index, a glossary, a "Safety First" section, and one that discusses why we need levels. There are additional complimentary downloadable resources on the publisher’s website.

Quill says: If you want an excellent series about tools for your classroom or library shelves, "Tools at Work" would be an excellent choice!




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