Howtoons successfully combines photography, comics, and science to provide the ultimate 21st century how-to manual that will appeal to upper elementary and middle school kids, and adults, too. This book promotes hands-on STEM learning in a fresh, fun, and interactive format. This book artfully highlights the science behind each STEM project including the scientific background, a photograph of the tool, and a story in graphic novel format that skillfully illustrates each project through the eyes of siblings Celine and Tucker. Over 60 projects are highlighted; materials needed for each project are commonly found in hardware stores. Safety tips are included. Sections included are play, tools, energy, arts & crafts, math, science, engineering, and design & process. Glossary. Table of Contents. Index. Kelli Carney, PhD, Assistant Professor of Library Media, Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma [Editor's Note: A Teacher's Guide is found on the publisher's website.] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Siblings Tucker and Celine demonstrate how to create dozens of simple inventions and craft projects by using (and reusing) everyday household objects in this high-energy comics collection, which contains both new and previously published material. Organized into sections revolving around play, tools, math, science, engineering, and more, the projects typically span just a few pages, with suggestions that include creating marshmallow shooters from PVC pipe, refashioning a turkey baster into a flute, and transforming humble soda bottles in multiple ways-bird feeders, "jet packs" for a superhero costume, underwater goggles, etc. Nick Dragotta's cartooning is every bit as imaginative as the projects offered, bringing a larger-than-life comic-book sensibility and sense of adventure to these wisecracking siblings' investigations and tinkering. Packed with ideas and creative fodder for DIY-minded kids. All ages. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 4-8-Interested in creating a marshmallow shooter? How about a kite? What about designing your own clothes with crayons or creating plush stuffed animals? Siblings Celine and Tucker, who are asked if they can make anything but trouble, are put to the test. These "makers" show readers how they can do it as well. The siblings take kids on their everyday adventures and point out ways to make things out of household items. This title illustrates how makerspaces don't always have to be high tech. Originating at MIT, this is an engaging work that consists of many parts: instruction manual; graphic novel; science, art, math, and design book; and safety guide. It will motivate students to learn concepts and subjects such as physics, measurements, and lab safety through a fun, graphic novel format. The only drawbacks are some of the hard-to-distinguish transitions between "lessons." However, once readers get used to the layout, it will be easier to follow along. The comic book-style artwork is well done and engaging. A necessity for those interested in creating a makerspace or adding STEAM resources to the curriculum, this should be read by teachers, librarians, and most importantly, students.-Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.