Mega Machines

by Deborah Lock

Mega Machines takes readers to a busy, noisy construction site to watch the bulldozers, diggers and cement mixers in action, constructing a new school. In this Level 1 DK Reader children just beginning to read will be part of the action — from preparing the site to adding the finishing touches and having a grand opening ceremony. DK Readers is a multi-level reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge. With nine new exciting titles to choose from this season, kid's ages 4-10 will find the perfect book at their appropriate reading level to help with school projects or independent reading. Supports the Common Core State Standards.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2014

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at some of the large earth movers and other large trucks and machines used in building a new school, and how they are used in different stages of the construction process.

[ally douglas? · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is not a 1L reading level bc what kid can confidently read “excavator”

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Goodreader considers it quite an achievement. Author Deborah Lock provides a Level 1 Reader, imbuing with education and action. Weaving all the details into a story that can bring compelling interest to those elementary school readers.

Awesome? I think so.

MEGA MACHINES ARE BUILDING A BRAND NEW SCHOOL

What is involved? Young readers find out how much it really takes, building a new school.

Vivid details, cleverly illustrated, take to a busy construction site. Hey, it's noisy. And so much goes on, between the bulldozers, the diggers, and all cement mixers.

THERE'S FAR MORE TO BUILDING A SCHOOL THAN READERS MIGHT EVER HAVE THOUGHT

* First, the site itself must be prepared.
* Next, so much work must be done, thanks in part to the Mega Machines.
* Until they read this book -- or live as adults for another 30 years -- kids may never consider all the finishing touches required.
* And once upon a time, something similar happened in order to make the school where the readers are students now!

Finally, very appealing to kids at the Level 1 Reading stage of life, it's so exciting, that the school is inaugurated. Readers may be able to smell the brand new furniture being carried into the building.

FIVE STARS

[Darius Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite parts are the concrete mixer and the dump truck. They are my favorite mega machines. Dump trucks because I like how they carry dirt and dump it. Cement trucks because they carry concrete with their mixing drum and then dump the concrete.

It’s silly that they put in a picture of a backhoe when they were talking about a front loader.

I like that mega machines, when they work together, can make a whole building!

[Slayermel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is for beginner readers. It's all about the Mega Machines we use in Construction.
You find out what each vehicles purpose is as they build a school. My daughter actually wanted to see the school structure change. The book describes what they are doing but gives no visual which would have extended the learning experience for her.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty dense, the kids were not interested in it. It was very informative though. I would suggest putting this on the classroom bookshelf, but not making it a whole group read aloud. I did see a kid go back to read the book on their own the next day.

[Ender Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of interesting stuff

[Irini · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Awards the book has received: None
2. Appropriate grade level(s): Pre-K - 2nd
3. Original summary: Mega Machines takes readers to a busy, noisy construction site to watch the bulldozers, diggers and cement mixers in action, constructing a new school.
4. Original review: Great book, makes the reader get to know a bit more about constructions and bulldozers and diggers e.t.c
5. 1-2 possible in-class uses: Can be used to write down facts, recall information. We can also do in class activities with the students for the main theme in class about constructions.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: "Mega Machines" takes readers to a busy, noisy construction site to watch the bulldozers, diggers and cement mixers in action, constructing a new school. In this Level 1 "DK Reader" children just beginning to read will be part of the action from preparing the site to adding the finishing touches and having a grand opening ceremony. "DK Readers" is a multi-level reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge. With nine new exciting titles to choose from this season, kid's ages 4-10 will find the perfect book at their appropriate reading level to help with school projects or independent reading."

My Review: This is a great level one book for Munchkin, it is a little advanced in the fact that the sentences were a little longer and some of the words might be difficult for those who aren't big equipment fans but it was perfect for us. I also liked that this was a non-fiction early reader, it has photographs of various equipment on a big job site and also great descriptions as to what they all do. If you have a big truck fan who might be a little reluctant to read, this might be a great way to draw their interest.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for beginning or about to begin readers who like trucks and construction machinery! Full of bright pictures and a foreman who narrates the process, divided into chapter 'stages,' of building a school. This is a 'read-with' not a read-alone, with technical terms like 'plumbers' and 'plasterers,' but there are words for the child to pick out and lots of sound and words ('swish,' 'rumble,' 'scoop,' 'hook,' 'turn') that early readers will fasten on to.

For what it is, it's definitely a 5; I give it a 4 because our early reader has been dropping his interest in truck books and wasn't all that interested. :)

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

September 2017 - works better as a beginning reader than a read-aloud.