Machines at Work

by Byron Barton, Byron Barton (Illustrator)

Overview

Byron Barton's classic book about a busy day at the construction site is perfect for fans of Richard Scarry and Tom Lichtenheld!

Rhythmic text and bold, graphic illustrations convey all the energy and excitement of the day while workers use a variety of machines to knock down a building and begin constructing a new one. Young readers will love learning the names of the machines while seeing them at work.

Supports the Common Core State Standards.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780694001903
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/25/1987
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 8.75(h) x 0.33(d)
Lexile:	BR (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Byron Barton (1930–2023) was the creator of many picture books for young children, including My Car, Building a House, and The Little Red Hen.

Byron Barton (1930–2023) was the creator of many picture books for young children, including My Car, Building a House, and The Little Red Hen.

Editorial Reviews

As with his recent booksTrains, Trucks, Airplanes and BoatsMachines at Work is characterized by bold, black outlines and vivid colors. Barton takes youngsters through an entire day at a construction site. The workers, a multiracial group of men and women, arrive and begin their day. Unlike other books on big machines for this age group, Barton's is not a catalogue of heavy equipment. Each vibrant spread shows people and machines actively working. The short, punchy narrative reinforces the dynamics of the illustrations. Kids are fascinated by dump trucks, bulldozers, cranes, cement trucks, etc. This will prove a popular read-aloud for preschoolers and satisfying read-alone for beginners. Ages 3-7. (September)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

PreS-Gr 1 Barton's bold double-page il lustrations depict a busy day at a con struction site as workers (with the posi tive inclusion of women) knock down a building and start a new one. In Barton's characteristic style, the bright primary colors and chunky shapes outlined in thick black lines convey an effect that is not static. Energy and action abound. The illustrations are accompanied by the simplest possible text, a one-line descrip tion. The machines shown are not named, but their functions are described. The sequence of events is clear and easi ly followed. Barton draws young readers and listeners into the book by the initial call to work. (``Hey, you guys!'') and the use of the first person-plural (``Let's get to work''). This visual treat, dished up with a nice helping of simple information, will entertain the very young. Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School Library, South Portland, Maine

School Library Journal