FICTION

Mazie’s Amazing Machines

by Sheryl Haft (text) & illus. by Jeremy Holmes
Penguin/Nancy Paulsen. Sept. 2023. 40p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780399547867.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-5–Dive into simple machines, shenanigans, and family with this STEM-based picture book about a young girl named Mazie who loves to try to engineer her family’s problems away. While her inventions aren’t always the perfect solution she sought, her optimism and the support of her family throughout provide an uplifting, science-specific accompaniment to other popular picture books such as those in the “Questioneers” series. The stamped and graphite-based illustrations are reminiscent of 2010s cartoon series and provide a welcoming flatness that allows young readers to slip into each panel and action-driven step with Mazie.
VERDICT While the flow of the text is not particularly dynamic, the STEM tie-ins and breakdown of simple machines in the back matter make this a good choice for classroom activities and for readers who love unpacking the secret science woven into illustrations.
Reviewed by Aryssa Damron , Dec 22, 2023

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