Stephen Biesty's Incredible Everything
Grade 4-6?Students who are familiar with Biesty's work many enjoy this title even though there seems to be no rationale for the items included. The oversize format lends itself to the many tiny, meticulous full-color illustrations that occupy the pages. The size, however, does not lend itself to library shelving. The text and illustrations are arranged according to a table of contents with one to five topics per two-page spread. Among the incredible everythings are plywood, compact discs, plastic bottles, soap, athletic shoes, and photocopiers. The Saturn V occupies a double fold-out that will quickly be tattered with use. Every topic is introduced by a short paragraph; each numbered, illustrated step in the manufacturing process is then described in one sentence. Details are added in smaller print. The layout is sometimes confusing as the illustrated processes zigzag across the page or circle around the main picture. Some explanations are rather vague, leaving gaps in the information and in understanding. Strictly a browsing item.?Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KSCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.