SLJ Review of Past and Present

For readers who look at their caregiver’s cell phone and wonder what we did before that was invented, this series is a hit. Each book talks through a very basic narrative history of each item, sharing how it has evolved over time.

In Communication, readers learn that the first people shared stories through pictures, moving to written language in time. They may be surprised by the huge time span that followed and amazed at how it led to the constant contact age of today. Toys and Games is also pretty fun, with play evolving from carved wooden trinkets to complicated, codable robots.

The simplified text makes these books ideal for evolving readers as well as educators to use during circle and storytime. With bright pictures and large print, it’s an interesting, unique series that hits the mark.

VERDICT: A first purchase for libraries with readers obsessed with invention.