Most Popular Books by Chris Oxlade

This updated edition asks some great questions. Why did the Romans build bridges? What is the longest bridge? How does a suspension bridge work? You''ll find the answers to these questions and many more in Building Amazing Structures. Each book in the series looks at some of today''s most amazing structures from around the world. Begin your journey by reading about similar structures in history and how they were built. Then discover the techniques and materials that today''s engineers and builders use to make even more amazing structures. Finally, learn about structures that failed and why.

This series offers a clear introduction to simple machines - what they are, what they''re made of, and how we use them in today''s world. Exciting examples of each machine''s applications draw on the world familiar to a child - machines that we use all the time, including some that may be hidden in houshold objects or everyday fixtures. Amazing machine facts illustrate how we use machines to do tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Describes boats and ships that are used for travel, work, and fun.

This series looks at how materials can be changed in various ways. Each book examines the types of materials we commonly encounter and explores their properties through practical and familiar examples. "Investigation" spreads give readers the chance to find out for themselves how materials can be changed.

What is snail mail? Why do people use emoticons? What is junk mail? E-mail is a great way to keep in touch with your family and friends. Read ''My First E-Mail Guide'' to find out how e-mail works and how you can have fun using it safely.

Describes the various ways that materials can be joined together, such as wood with glue, metal with a weld, and fabric with a thread; and includes simple experiments using common household items.

A hands-on approach introduces young scientists to ramps and wedges. Science theory and practical, fun projects teach the physics and the technology behind this simple machine. Important science curriculum is explained through historical and contemporary examples of ramps and wedges. Step-by-step projects range from the simple to the more challenging.

This book explores the science behind sports. It looks at topics such as healthy food and how the body works during sports. It also explores the concepts of streamlining and friction.

Explores where coal comes from and how it is mined, its importance in the environment, the various uses of coal such as for heat and power, and the different types of coal.

Infographics are simple and creative graphic representations of different numerical facts. This title features a variety of engaging infographics that teach readers all about the environment. Look through the pages to discover fascinating statistics about climate change, endangered animals, energy use, pollution and what you can do to help the environment.

Introduces the culture, landscape, plants, animals, and people of the continent of Europe.

The mystery of black holes pas puzzled scientists for years. Do they really exist? Can we get to the bottom of this mystery using science and logic, or will it continue to mystify us forever? Discover all of the theories, from the reasonable to the ridiculous, then decide for yourself what to believe. Learn how scientists analyze and explain fakes and hoaxes. This book includes eyewitness accounts, dramatic photographs, up-to-date information, a glossary, further resources, and web search tips.

Looks at legends about vampires and werewolves in different cultures, their reputed appearance and behavior, similarities between the two creatures, and possible scientific explanations of the old stories.

"Presents the history of fighter planes, from the earliest military aircraft to the stealth fliers and attack helicopters used today, and offers cutaway diagrams and other details of planes, their equipment, and air battles."--Amazon.com.

Do you want to experience what it''s like to chart new territory and survive the unexpected? Discover the unknown as you... ? find your way in fog ? follow the stars ? find fossils and bones ? predict rain ...and lots more. Devised and tested by an expert in outdoor activities, these exciting projects help you navigate the wild, using nature''s resources—and your own!

The earliest tank was designed in the fifteenth century. Since then, tanks have developed into huge, powerful weapons. Get an up-close view of mighty tanks and artillery as you learn about a World War II gun that moved on railroad tracks, how explosive artillery shells work, and what''s inside an armored tank! From ancient trebuchets and battering rams to digital technology on modern artillery, find out how tanks and artillery have changed throughout military history, and experience life on the battlefield.

Introduces basic concepts of weather, discussing such topics as atmospheric pressure, clouds, rain, and wind.

"The Earth''s rocks and minerals are incredibly varied, but they have many features in common. This book explores the main types of rocks, looking at their characteristics, properties, and uses"--Provided by publisher.

What is extra-sensory perception? Can people move objects with their minds? How is ESP tested? Some things are so strange that they cannot be explained. This series explains the connection between science and natural phenomena and how science can be used to try to explain mysteries.

"With ... cutaway diagrams and personal stories, this ... book presents the history of ships used for war, from ancient ships powered by oars to the massive ships and ... technology used today"--Provided by publisher.

"Describes the technology used for creating and playing video games. Includes information on how different platforms work and the direction video game technology may be going" -- Provided by publisher.

"Kingfisher Readers are developed with literacy experts to span five levels, from Level 1 (beginning to read) to level 5 (reading fluently). Robots introduces children who can read alone with some help to these incredible inventions. It includes facts about different types of robots, such as automatons, humanoids, androids, drones, factory robots and domestic robots. Children will read about robots that have gone to space, robots that can play sports and robots that look a lot like people. See www.kingfisherreaders.com for series information"--

There have been extraordinary changes in medicine since the start of the 20th Century. Diseases that were killers in 1900, such as polio, have been almost wiped out. Hundreds of new drugs have been developed. This book shows how today''s extraordinary surgical techniques, such as heart transplants, would have been unthinkable for a doctor a hundred years ago. And, unlike 1900, people in many countries today can see a doctor or other healthcare worker when they need to, often for free.

This book takes a fascinating look at new ideas that changed the world. From computers and telephones, through cameras, cars, and steam engines, ghosted-through artwork reveals the genius behind these amazing innovations.

Presents a concise study of the development of famous sport cars including rally cars and racing cars, classic cars such as the Ferrari and Corvette, and supercars such as the Mercedes McLaren SLR.

The mystery of haunted houses has puzzled people for hundreds of years. Do ghosts really exist? Can we get to the bottom of this mystery using science and logic, or will it continue to mystify us forever? Discover all of the theories, from the reasonable to the ridiculous, then decide for yourself what to believe. Learn how scientists analyze and explain fakes and hoaxes. This book includes eyewitness accounts, dramatic photographs, up-to-date information, a glossary, further resources, and web search tips.

Describes the history of exploration for life on other planets, and examines the evidence supporting and opposing the theory that life may exist somewhere other than on Earth.

This volume examines the importance of water conservation.

Tells you all the things you can learn by using a microscope.

Find out everything there is to know about the city of Edinburgh in this fascinating city guide. Learn about Edinburgh''s history, its location, culture, festivals, hidden gems and even where the best places to shop are! A map of Edinburgh city centre will help you find the locations of the key places mentioned in the book. Impress your friends with your knowledge of this beautiful and historic city.

The mystery of UFOs has puzzled people for years. Have we really been visited by aliens from outer space? If so, why don''t we have more evidence? Can we get to the bottom of this mystery using science and logic, or will it continue to mystify us forever? Discover all of the theories, from the reasonable to the ridiculous, then decide for yourself what to believe. Learn how scientists analyze and explain fakes and hoaxes. This book includes eyewitness accounts, dramatic photographs, up-to-date information, a glossary, further resources, and web search tips.

The mystery of crop circles has puzzled people for years. What causes them to appear so suddenly? Could crop circles be messages from outer space? Can we get to the bottom of this mystery using science and logic, or will it continue to mystify us forever? Discover all of the theories, from the reasonable to the ridiculous, then decide for yourself what to believe. Learn how scientists analyze and explain fakes and hoaxes. This book includes eyewitness accounts, dramatic photographs, up-to-date information, a glossary, further resources, and web search tips.

Examines the life of Albert Einstein and the impact that he had on the world.

Find out everything there is to know about the city of London in this fascinating city guide. Learn about London''s history, its location, culture, festivals, hidden gems and even where the best places to shop are! A map of London city centre will help you find the locations of the key places mentioned in the book. Impress your friends with your knowledge of this beautiful and historic city.

This great study aid has topics arranged thematically so that words are explained in context, with a fully integrated system of cross-referencing plus a comprehensive index.