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Simple Machines: Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys
How many simple machines do you use every day? Probably more than you realize!
Machines make work easier— helping break things apart, lift heavy objects, and change the power and direction of force applied to them. In this accessible picture book, celebrated nonfiction author David A. Adler outlines different types of simple machines—wedges, wheels, levers, pulleys, and more—and gives common examples of how we use them every day.
Anna Raff's bright illustrations show how simple machines work—and add a dose of fun and humor, too. Two appealing kids and their comical cat use machines to ride see-saws, turn knobs, and even eat apples.
Perfect for classrooms or for budding engineers to read on their own, Simple Machines uses clear, simple language to introduce important mechanical vocabulary, and easy-to-understand examples to illustrate how we use machines to solve all kinds of problems.
Don't miss David A. Adler and Anna Raff's other science collaborations—including Light Waves; Magnets Push, Magnets Pull; and Things That Float and Things That Don't.
Machines make work easier— helping break things apart, lift heavy objects, and change the power and direction of force applied to them. In this accessible picture book, celebrated nonfiction author David A. Adler outlines different types of simple machines—wedges, wheels, levers, pulleys, and more—and gives common examples of how we use them every day.
Anna Raff's bright illustrations show how simple machines work—and add a dose of fun and humor, too. Two appealing kids and their comical cat use machines to ride see-saws, turn knobs, and even eat apples.
Perfect for classrooms or for budding engineers to read on their own, Simple Machines uses clear, simple language to introduce important mechanical vocabulary, and easy-to-understand examples to illustrate how we use machines to solve all kinds of problems.
Don't miss David A. Adler and Anna Raff's other science collaborations—including Light Waves; Magnets Push, Magnets Pull; and Things That Float and Things That Don't.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
David A. Adler
400 books200 followersDavid Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 1, 2017
This book is a good explanation of wheels, levers, and pulleys. It is informative and full of information. In today's world of fantastic nonfiction picture books I am growing picky. This one will not capture your imagination or leave you bursting with excitement for simple machines. However, if you are looking for a good book to share about simple machines with kids this is a well written, well explained book.
September 30, 2022
"Informative, but it has a very abrupt ending." Peggy 6 years old, and mom
February 22, 2015
If you teach physical science and the concepts of work/motion, this book will compliment your teaching. Simple Machines: Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys would make for an informative read aloud for grades K-2 but is best used in an upper elementary classroom or middle school science class. The illustrations tell their own story of two boys, a parent and cat that go about their daily life and the encounters they have with wheels, levers and pulleys. The text however is a sound teaching tool.
• The vocabulary: wedge, incline plane/ramp, lever, friction, wheel and axle, gears and pulleys are explained in practical ways.
• Examples that are used come from encounters most students would have in their everyday lives. Leading these examples to ones students could try in the classroom.
• The labels added to the illustrations explain how force can change directions. Giving students a concrete visual to understand each concept.
I can’t wait to share this book with the third and eighth grade teams of teachers and in our district that teach these concepts. Using this book is another way to combine literacy and the content areas. 5 stars!
• The vocabulary: wedge, incline plane/ramp, lever, friction, wheel and axle, gears and pulleys are explained in practical ways.
• Examples that are used come from encounters most students would have in their everyday lives. Leading these examples to ones students could try in the classroom.
• The labels added to the illustrations explain how force can change directions. Giving students a concrete visual to understand each concept.
I can’t wait to share this book with the third and eighth grade teams of teachers and in our district that teach these concepts. Using this book is another way to combine literacy and the content areas. 5 stars!
June 17, 2019
Summary:
This is a book that provides readers with information about the simple machines (wedge, inclined plane, lever, wheel and axel, and pulley). This informational books follows two boys who use everyday objects to explain simple machines, their parts, and how they work. It provides information to the reader in a narrative form.
Review:
This is a great book to use to take this science topic out of the typical textbook or article format. This book uses everyday objects that are familiar to children to explain simple machines. The familiarity of the objects helps them better understand the concepts as well as promotes engagement. This book points out to students that they use simple machines everyday and will help them recognize this on their own.
This is a book that provides readers with information about the simple machines (wedge, inclined plane, lever, wheel and axel, and pulley). This informational books follows two boys who use everyday objects to explain simple machines, their parts, and how they work. It provides information to the reader in a narrative form.
Review:
This is a great book to use to take this science topic out of the typical textbook or article format. This book uses everyday objects that are familiar to children to explain simple machines. The familiarity of the objects helps them better understand the concepts as well as promotes engagement. This book points out to students that they use simple machines everyday and will help them recognize this on their own.
December 9, 2019
This book explains what the different simple machines are such as wedges, inclined planes, screws, levers, wheel and axles, and pulleys. It also gives students real life examples of them and explains why it makes them that type of simple machine.
This is a quality book that can not only teach students about simple machines but also applies it to the real world in a kid friendly manner.
I would use this book in a science lesson about simple machines. I would introduce and read one to two pages of the book each day and have students try and find examples of that simple machine in the classroom and around the school, providing reasoning of why/ how it's that machine.
This is a quality book that can not only teach students about simple machines but also applies it to the real world in a kid friendly manner.
I would use this book in a science lesson about simple machines. I would introduce and read one to two pages of the book each day and have students try and find examples of that simple machine in the classroom and around the school, providing reasoning of why/ how it's that machine.
October 3, 2017
Excellent review of Simple Machines for curriculum requirements and just plain fun! Discover how our teeth and slides are simple machines along with many other examples. The descriptions are easy to understand with entertaining illustrations.
May 30, 2021
Good introduction to levers, wheels, pulleys, inclined planes and more! 6-9 year olds.
February 11, 2022
Excellent introduction to simple machines.
January 27, 2023
We thought this was a good way to introduce the idea of simple machines, it was not the most exciting book.
October 11, 2024
We really liked this book!!! The ending was a bit abrupt, though 😂
July 22, 2025
Lots of great information and examples in this book for children about simple machines.
August 26, 2015
Adler's writing creates clarity regarding what might be a difficult concept for some children. He talks to the reader to draw them in by connecting to their everyday experiences - "Have you ever played on a slide? If you have, you played on a simple machine" and by drawing on real life scenarios - "Imagine having to lift a box loaded with bowling balls." His descriptions are precise - "It's a flat surface with one end higher than the other" and his explanations are helpful - "An inclined plane makes it easier to climb up and down..." I'd recommend this for 2nd-3rd grade (even 4th), though. The illustrations make it seem more primary, but conceptually I think it's too difficult for kinder-1st.
This would be a great read aloud for launching a unit on simple machines. By the end of the read aloud, students will have a general sense of how we are surrounded by simple machines. They could sketch/write in response. If you read it aloud again or asked small groups to reread, they could glean specific details about particular simple machines - including their construction, how they work and make work easier, and how they differ from each other.
Missed the 5th star because there's a typo - "peddles" verb instead of "pedals" noun. Ouch.
BTW - I'd recommend Adler's book Things That Float and Things That Don't for 3rd grade and up if you're teaching the concept of density.
This would be a great read aloud for launching a unit on simple machines. By the end of the read aloud, students will have a general sense of how we are surrounded by simple machines. They could sketch/write in response. If you read it aloud again or asked small groups to reread, they could glean specific details about particular simple machines - including their construction, how they work and make work easier, and how they differ from each other.
Missed the 5th star because there's a typo - "peddles" verb instead of "pedals" noun. Ouch.
BTW - I'd recommend Adler's book Things That Float and Things That Don't for 3rd grade and up if you're teaching the concept of density.
February 21, 2015
Simple machines are all around us, but we often don't recognize them. This book introduces the concept of simple machines, and then gives multiple, real-world examples of common things that are based on simple machines. The purpose of simple machines, in easing work, is described, and important concepts are explained in a kid-friendly fashion. That's not a surprise. David Adler is a master at easy nonfiction. He knows how to explain things simply, yet completely. Anna Raff's digital illustrations are instrumental in showing key points. Altogether this is a nice book that teaches basic principles well.
April 5, 2015
Why I liked this book- This is a rather cool nonfiction book. It shows you everyday examples of the simple machines, and how they work. For example, did you know that our teeth are wedges, and that a mountain road can be an inclined plane? There are also really nice illustrations that show what is going on clearly. The book clearly explains simple machines in a kid-friendly way. This book is a great read-aloud for young kids. I really love this book, and would recommend it for a class project.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 13, 2015
In this introduction to simple machines, Adler uses everyday examples to familiarize children with wedges, inclined planes, levers, wheels and axles, and pulleys. The names of machines are in bold, but there is no glossary of terms or index. Simple, colorful inkwash illustrations clearly illustrate the mechanics of machines while providing friendly details for readers to discuss. The text would benefit from subject headings or clearer transitions between machines. This is an optional purchase for larger library collections.
May 24, 2015
Raff's illustrations done in bold colors do a good job supporting Adler's text. They show objects children will most likely be familiar with. They include appropriate labels, and are simple enough to focus on the concept described.
The text is comfortable enough to be read aloud, and this would be a great book to share with students at the beginning of the simple machines unit.
The text is comfortable enough to be read aloud, and this would be a great book to share with students at the beginning of the simple machines unit.
April 2, 2016
Good introduction to simple machines. The author introduces each machine and gives concrete examples so young readers can connect this new information to something that is already known.
No back matter - I would've liked to see additional sources and websites.
No back matter - I would've liked to see additional sources and websites.
May 23, 2017
Purpose: to inform
June 3, 2015
A fantastic first look at simple machines. The illustrations are fun and really add to the understanding.
June 17, 2015
Everyday examples of simple machines. Discussion starter. I think photographs may have been more effective than illustrations. Grade 4 - Simple Machines K-5
April 4, 2015
Easy to understand explanations and illustrations of simple machines in real life situations.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews