Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines

adventures in making round the kitchen table
Alom Shaha (illus. Emily Robertson)

‘Perfect for young engineers and artists. With stunning art from Emily Robertson ... it’s incredible! ... It explains the science in such accessible and exciting way[s] and leaves space for the reader to add their own spin and improvements too. It’s an invitation to make and discover. And it is packed with activities ... All using things you probably already have in your house ... A delight of a book. Extraordinary. It absolutely needs to be in every home and classroom and library.’

Rashmi Sirdeshpande

‘Sprinkled with fascinating fun facts about the history of some of the world’s most astounding inventions, Shaha’s book is sure to kindle inquisitiveness and delight in young creators and will have them busy crafting and building for hours on end … Emily Robertson’s bright and colourful illustrations add to the charm of this book and give clear and accessible demonstrations to help with each project. A wonderful book that encourages crafting, recycling, creating, and learning through amusing and exciting projects.’

Fiona Buckley, Irish Examiner

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‘Perfect boredom-busting activities for the long summer holidays.’

Sara Keating, The Sunday Business Post

Accessible, with easy-to-follow instructions … The science behind each idea is explained brilliantly and this would be a perfect book to give you inspiration for a rainy-day project.’

Primary Times

‘My children are loving Alom Shaha’s new book. Packed full of wonderful machines and sci-craft to make at home.’

Professor Alice Roberts

‘We suspect Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines will prove a lifeline for parents of children who love to learn and who may otherwise become restless during the holidays. The author’s gently encouraging voice is sure to nurture the creativity and scientific curiosity in young minds everywhere. There is a lot of enjoyment for families to have together within these pages.’

Greg Jameson, Entertainment Focus

‘The best way to learn about science is by doing it, and that’s what makes this activity book so great.’

Science + Nature (The Week Junior)

‘A great book for children who enjoy making things.’

The Green Parent

‘Whether you're a master engineer or a total beginner, it will spark inspiration for fun activities to engage young people in the marvels of machinery.’

Primary Times (North and West Kent)

‘If you run a science club or have children at home this book ... could be a useful resource.’

Physics Education Journal

‘Alom’s science lessons are always a lot more than just science, or just for those kids who already love science, and with Marvellous Machines in particular he's keen readers don't just play around with engineering ideas, but learn to make toys for themselves and their siblings and friends too. A perfect Christmas gift.’

Alice Bell, Smart Thinking Books

‘Clear and informative.’

Sew

‘With recycling-bin materials, and step-by-step instructions, this gorgeous book celebrates the sense of accomplishment found in making something for yourself.’

Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian

Transform and recycle household objects into your very own home-made toys and machines!

Learn about the centre of gravity by making a balancing bird, create a toroidal vortex with a smoke-ring machine, and turn a spoon into an electromagnet. Chances are you won’t need to buy the materials required for these machines because they’re all in your house right now. Every child can be an engineer with the help of Mr Shaha and his marvellous machines.

Written by a science teacher and dad, Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines is the highly anticipated sequel to Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder. This book gives clear, step-by-step instructions for over 15 projects. Whether you’re a master engineer or a total beginner, it will spark inspiration for fun activities to engage young people in the marvels of machinery.

Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Fiona Buckley, Irish Examiner

View all reviews

‘Perfect boredom-busting activities for the long summer holidays.’

Sara Keating, The Sunday Business Post

Accessible, with easy-to-follow instructions … The science behind each idea is explained brilliantly and this would be a perfect book to give you inspiration for a rainy-day project.’

Primary Times

‘My children are loving Alom Shaha’s new book. Packed full of wonderful machines and sci-craft to make at home.’

Professor Alice Roberts

Greg Jameson, Entertainment Focus

‘The best way to learn about science is by doing it, and that’s what makes this activity book so great.’

Science + Nature (The Week Junior)

‘A great book for children who enjoy making things.’

The Green Parent

‘Whether you're a master engineer or a total beginner, it will spark inspiration for fun activities to engage young people in the marvels of machinery.’

Primary Times (North and West Kent)

‘If you run a science club or have children at home this book ... could be a useful resource.’

Physics Education Journal

Alice Bell, Smart Thinking Books

‘Clear and informative.’

Sew

Details

Format:Hardback

Size: 300mm × 240mm

Extent:64pp

ISBN (13):9781913348120

RRP:£12.99

Pub date:8 Jul 2021

High-res cover:Download Image

AWARDS

2022 Creative Book Awards Best Children’s Craft Book - Commended

CATEGORIES / tags

Interactive & activity books & packs JUVENILE NONFICTION / Activity Books / General Science & technology: general interest (Children’s / Teenage)Practical interests (Children’s / Teenage)Educational: Sciences, general science JUVENILE NONFICTION / Technology / How Things Work-Are Made JUVENILE NONFICTION / Technology / Inventions JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Experiments & Projects

AUTHOR

Alom Shaha

Alom Shaha was born in Bangladesh but grew up in London. A parent, teacher, science writer, and filmmaker, he has spent most of his professional life trying to share his passion for science and education with the public. Alom has produced, directed, and appeared in a number of television programmes for broadcasters such as the BBC, and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA) and the Nuffield Foundation. He has represented his community as an elected politician and volunteered at a range of charitable organisations. He teaches at a comprehensive school in London and writes for a number of print and online publications, including The Guardian.

ILLUSTRATOR

Emily Robertson

Emily Robertson creates her delicately organic illustrations with watercolour and ink. She has worked as an illustrator since graduating from the Glasgow School Of Art in 2006. Her clients include Anthropologie, The Guardian, and Condé Nast.

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We publish books that matter — narrative and literary nonfiction on important topics, and the best of local, international, and translated fiction.

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