Glasses

The appealing Eureka! The Biography of an Idea series (4 titles) introduces primary-grade students to the history behind familiar inventions, from an initial concept or prototype to versions familiar to users today. The writing is simple, clear, and often lively. Richly colorful, digital artwork suggests the look of different time periods and cultures, while portraying individuals who developed each invention and showing how its appearance has changed through the years. Labeled diagrams illustrate how the technologies described actually work. In addition to explaining the structure and workings of the human eye, Glasses traces the history (in many cultures and from ancient times to the present) of devices to help people see more clearly. Well attuned to the intended audience, this series is both engaging and informative.

Gr 1--4--Glasses are nearly ubiquitous now, but who actually invented them? It turns out the first attempt to change a person's vision came around 45 AD and people have been improving them ever since. This book is an illustrated time line of that process and includes diagrams of the eye as well as explanations of why a person might need glasses. There are also diagrams using the nomenclature of glasses and how lenses work, showing the different way lenses are used for nearsighted and farsighted people. The artwork is helpful for understanding some of the more complex concepts and the graphics are clearly labeled. One spread describes how the printing press, which allowed more people to access books, influenced the demand for glasses. The story demonstrates to readers that the glasses that are worn today are the product of lots of collaboration and fine tuning over the centuries, not the work of a single person, which is an idea not often brought forward in discussions of the inventive process. VERDICT This would be a good addition to any library serving younger patrons who are interested in science and health sciences and inventions.--Debbie Tanner, S.D. Spady Montessori Elem., FL