Books with author Clive Giffords

In today's chaotic information environment, it is a challenge to find organized, comprehensive, yet concise geopolitical information designed especially for student research. This fully-updated edition of the award-winning The Kingfisher Geography Encyclopedia by Clive Gifford is a meticulously researched and visually exciting guide to the essential geographical, physical, and cultural information of the entire world. Illustrated with more than 1,500 photographs and specially commissioned computer-generated maps of every country using the latest satellite data, this one-stop reference will help children acquire essential geographical knowledge and expand their understanding of how people live in different parts of the world. The country-by-country layout makes finding information easy, and quick reference panels give key facts on each country's population, currency, language, major cities and other data. An extensive website list and comprehensive index insures the most up-to-date resources and material for further research. An essential addition to any home or classroom, The Kingfisher Geography Encyclopedia puts the world at everyone's fingertips.

Our world is full of funky gadgets and technological gizmos. Within the next hour, you will probably use a computer, the internet, a hand-held game, or a cell phone. Technology is not only playing an ever-increasing role in our everyday lives, but also in the way we explore the world around us. Cool technology is useful, but what do we know about how it works? This book investigates the science behind technology, taking readers on a journey of discovery that they will never forget. It uncovers the smart tech of mobile phones, wi-fi, and GPS, as well as the inner workings of game consoles. It examines the world of movement--how cars, airplanes, and other vehicles run. It delves into nanotechnology, spy gadgets, cyborgs, building in space, and the eco house. Explore the pages of this book to discover how the coolest technology of today really works!

In the ancient world, philosopher Archimedes designed new machines for farming. During the Renaissance, artist Leonardo da Vinci sketched his ideas for wondrous flying machines. Scientist James Watt provided ideas that would power the Industrial Revolution, while American inventor Thomas Edison patented more than 1000 inventions that would shape modern life, including the movie camera and the electric light bulb. Today's inventors still explore ideas for new and clever technology, producing miniature machines that we can only see under a microscope. Step inside the world of invention and see where it might take us next...

Materials answers fundamental questions about the matter and materials that make up the physical world around us. What are rocks made of? Where do plastics come from, and what are they used for? Why can I see through glass? Readers are introduced to the most common natural and manufactured materials -- including metals, wood, paper, cotton, and recycled products -- and learn why some are hard and others are malleable and why some stretch while others snap.

This super-visual guide gives kids the lowdown on car science basics—and the most original standout autos, too! Young auto enthusiasts will love this high-octane book! It has the scoop on the hottest cars and the science behind them, from supremely stylish sports classics to the latest in full-throttle supercars and hypercars, phenomenally fast record-breaking land vehicles, and envelope-pushing future creations. High-impact spreads deliver need-to-know information about individual models that will satisfy fans.

Watch science come alive as never before! Thanks to the digital magic of Augmented Reality, kids can create chemical chaos in their own room without ruining a single thing. All they have to do is place their tablet or smartphone near the visual trigger on the page and hold it up to see metal explode in water or generate electricity and sparks on the kitchen table. From atoms and elements to sound waves and gravity, iScience captures the wonder of science.

Battle with the bots . . . in realistic AR technology! Watch robots come to life as interactive animations, thanks to the digital magic of Augmented Reality. Using this book, the free app, and a tablet or smartphone, children can build their own robot and program it to move, interact with a life-size humanoid robot, fly a search-and-rescue drone, and engage in battle! Just place your tablet or smartphone near the visual trigger on the page, then hold it up to see the AR in action. iRobot is packed with information about these marvelous machines and how they work, what they can do, and what might happen in the future.

From the winners of the Royal Society Young Peoples Book Prize 2014, Clive Gifford and Professor Anil Seth, this is a wonderful and thorough exploration of the most complex and interesting organ of the body. The Human Brain in 30 Seconds is the ideal introduction for budding biologists to the brilliant brain. Each topic is presented in a neat 30-second soundbite, supported by a 3-second flash summary and full-page, colourful illustration. Fun, active missions support the topics and encourage kids to find out more. With stunning artwork, the attention-grabbing format is engaging and immediate, introducing readers aged from 8 up to this fascinating part of their bodies.

An action-packed celebration of the world of trucks, this guide presents the fastest, loudest, most powerful, most expensive, and most outrageous trucks ever to hit the road. In addition to featuring pick-up trucks, military trucks, tankers, desert racers, monster trucks, and more, Super Trucks also tells amazing human-interest stories. Readers will take a trip with a long-distance trucker, find out what it's like to be a life-saving paramedic in an ambulance zooming to the scene of an emergency, and discover how much it costs Dekotora owners to add bling to their lit-up trucks.

Get up to speed with all things fast and furious! From rally cars to stunt cars, monster trucks to dragsters, and F1 cars to stunt bikes, buckle your seat belt and get ready for an action-packed race through the world of automobiles! Car Crazy is an exhilarating celebration of the motor vehicle in all its glory. Prepare to be dazzled by the fastest, loudest, most beautiful, most powerful, most expensive, and the most outrageous vehicles ever to hit the road. More than just pictures and facts, Car Crazy also tells the amazing human-interest stories behind the greatest racing drivers and stuntmen to ever get behind the wheel. A perfect read for car crazy kids!

Kids will be left astounded by this book of crazy optical illusions, and they'll be amazed as they learn the science behind how our brain and eyes work to together to fool us all the time. The fun begins with an engaging look at the biology behind the brain and eyes, complete with cool diagrams and a colorful "map" of the brain. Then they'll get to the core of the illusions, learning why some printed pictures appear to swirl madly on the page, how two colors can appear to be different when they are actually the same, how our eyes can pick out complete images in random pattern, and much more. From color conundrums to plays on perspective, the illusions in this book will leave readers wondering if they can ever really believe what they see.