Big Machines Float! (Big Machines)

K-Gr 2-- Big is a rather relative term in these sketchy introductions to large vehicles. Each two-page entry carries a small logo rating the machine's size as big, super, or mighty, but there's no explanation of what these terms actually mean. When does big become super? Small bits of information about each vehicle and the two accompanying photographs vary widely in clarity and specifics. The truncated or partial views and picturing of vehicles with no background for context are ineffective, as readers won't get much sense of what some of these vehicles look like or how they operate. This is a subject with a lot of child-appeal, the six categories are well chosen, and many of the vehicles are intriguing. However, the cluttered pages and skimpy information and images do the readers and the subject a disservice.