Franny’s Fix-it Shop: How Machines Work by Edward Miller. Holiday House, 2022. 9780823443376
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? Miller’s illustrations are colorful and very engaging. Franny owns a fix-it shop that serves a variety of clientele, from friends and neighbors to the mayor of the city. While there isn’t a compelling plot or storyline, it really isn’t necessary as the text moves swiftly and interestingly through myriad repairs, teaching about simple machines, compound machines, raw materials, and resources with kid friendly diagrams, definitions, and explanations of processes. Franny’s robot friend, Robbie, pairs detailed explanations of how things work, while many of her friends and acquaintances are representative of a diverse and inclusive community. End pages provide a useful visual summary of the many machines and parts described in the book.
Anything you did not like about the book? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Elementary students who are interested in how things work, or for teachers/parents presenting a STEM unit or activity.
Who should buy this book? Public and elementary school libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes! This text provides a wonderful introduction into simple and compound machines with a kid friendly approach that is sure to be a winner!
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Linda Broderick, Lincoln Street School, Northborough, Massachusetts.
Date of review: December 22, 2022
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