Books with author Tom Jackson

How do chameleons change color to match their surroundings? How do geckos climb up walls? This book answers these questions and more as readers delve into the world of reptiles. Each chapter investigates the mechanics behind a certain animal, from the freaky frilled lizard to the deadly Komodo dragon. Color photographs take readers around the world to visit fascinating reptiles from constricting pythons to giant tortoises. Fun facts abound as the book explains the skills, defenses, and abilities that make reptiles stand apart.

From early music players such as the gramophone to today's digital music platforms and players, trace the evolution of technology's developments in all things music-related. A host of famous musical inventions show how music has become more portable over the years and how other inventions such as the Internet and easy access to electricity has powered the ways we can enjoy music. This book highlights how inventors and engineers have developed and improved on technology to make music players such an important part of human history. This book also dissects some of the major developments in each era, to give a rounded picture of these amazing machines.Technology Timelines is a series of six book aimed at upper KS2 and early KS3 readers, tracing the development of specific technologies through the ages.

It may have been a distant future when The Jetsons aired, but now the reality of autonomous machines with artificial intelligence is real. The ability of machines to think and learn fascinates everyone, but now even the most reluctant readers have a chance to engage in learning about the history and future of robotics. This book covers everything from the 18th century French automatons to Elon Musk, Ada Lovelace to Alan Turing, self-driving cars and smart homes to assembly and military robots. Each spread is complimented with vivid artwork that further illuminates the accessible, exciting text.

One constant families can count on is the possibility of life-altering change. You never know when you may face unexpected unemployment or become the victim of extreme weather conditions or other natural disasters. But even in the wake of all this uncertainty, you and your family can enjoy peace of mind with this invaluable emergency preparedness cookbook by Jan Jackson. Complete with customizable recipes that use only ingredients you can store for up to two years in your pantry and helpful tips on how to rotate your supplies so you ll never have to worry about wasting food, 100-Day Pantry will ease your conscience and your budget.

Readers take a dive underwater to take an in-depth look at the mechanics behind fish and other sea creatures. Marine creatures are made to fit their environments, whether they live in shallow reefs or the deep sea. This book describes the technology behind the super senses of sharks, the speed of a sailfish, and the propulsion of squid. How big are giant clams? How does a stonefish launch a sneak attack? Readers will learn the answers to these questions and more through fascinating text and fact boxes. Color photographs bring readers to the depths of the sea to come face-to-face with these mechanical wonders.

Mammals are some of the fastest and slowest, largest and smallest, and most unique animals on Earth. Their bodies are built to survive in and master their environment. Readers will love reading about the super swimming dolphin, the super-sensing bat, and the super-slow sloth. They’ll learn about the mechanics behind a skunk’s stink supply and a cheetah’s record-breaking speed. This book is full of color photographs and fact boxes that bring these exotic mammals to life. This technological spin on animal skills and survival is sure to stand out from the rest.

Some animals have developed astounding plumage, skin and fur which perfectly meets their needs. From the pangolin, which is covered in 'plates of armour' to protect it from predators, to the leafy appearance of the weedy sea dragon, that allows it hide among the seaweed, the creatures featured in this book have developed appearances that are both unique and out-of-this-world. Find out more about these marvels of nature and learn how evolution has shaped each animal's appearance - whether it is trying to blend in with its surroundings, pretend to be a different species or draw attention to how deadly it is.Vivid, arresting photography paired with captivating animal encounters make this book a thrilling introduction to some of the basics of evolutionary theory.

Even the most reluctant readers will be fascinated to read about how twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly are a different age because Scott spent a year living on the International Space Station. This book looks at how time travel has been thought of from ancient times to modern day. It even discusses what humans might do if they could travel in time. From string theory to Einstein's theory of relativity, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle to the grandfather paradox, and wormholes to quantum physics, everything time travel related is discussed here in easy-to-understand language and complimented by vivid artwork on every spread.