How Do You Lift a Lion?

Wells of Knowledge Science

by Robert E. Wells

How do you lift a lion? With a machine that's big and powerful with clanking metal parts? There are machines like that. But others have only a few moving parts. In fact, some machines are so simple that they don't seem like machines at all―like the wheel, the lever, and the pulley. These machines can make work easy―even if you're trying to lift a lion!

Genres: Science, Picture Books, Physics, Nonfiction, Animals, Pre K, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

About Robert Wells
Robert E. Wells is the author and illustrator of many intriguing and award-winning science books for children. He lives with his wife in Wenatchee, Washington.


Welcome Robert E. Wells’s books into your classroom, and you’ll find most of
your science curriculum covered. The twelve volumes – engaging and informative,
educational and inviting – provide second through fifth graders with lessons in
science and math from astronomy to weather; from biology to measurement.
Beyond the solid information that is the core of each book, Wells also introduces
concepts that offer students deeper understanding of the subjects at hand. His
conversational tone and thought-provoking questions will lead children to questions
of their own. And that is the beginning of all scientific learning.

Reviews

[Megan]

Publishers of nonfiction for children please note: a lot more people would read nonfiction if it was. . . better! Take a look at this book, that manages to convey complex ideas about simple machines in a highly imaginative way, but does not talk down to the reader. For sure the dense language and concepts take some unpacking with children, but the idea of lifting a lion or ten, or a panda on a pallet engages many for whom this content would otherwise remain abstract. In my Primary Years Program IB school, I've read this several times with Year 3/4 students as part of a simple machines inquiry and students later collaborate to make machines capable of lifting a pumpkin. How I would love captivating nonfiction/creative nonfiction texts for all such inquiries.

[Laura (Book Scrounger)]

This is probably my favorite of the four titles we've read from the Wells of Knowledge series. It is basically an introduction to physics, and covers some of the simple machines, as well as forces they interact with such as gravity and friction. The illustrations are amusing too -- at the end, the children use pulleys to deliver a "big basket of bananas to a baboon birthday party."

[Leslie Reyes]

After reading this book, I strongly believe it would be a great asset to educators looking to implement new ways of teaching students about physical science concepts such as gravity, force, and friction. The visuals in this book are top-tier, providing labeled visuals that pinpoint the meanings of scientific terms such as force, friction, leverage, and many more! Another aspect I really loved about this book is that it incorporates three common learning styles that students possess: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. For visual learners, this book aided their learning with the incorporation of labeled illustrations. For auditory learners, the text was simplified which grants students the ability to read aloud. Finally, for kinesthetic learners, the activity this book follows throughout its duration involves seeing how animals can be lifted using specific devices and applying varying forces. This activity can easily be recreated in classrooms to aid this specific group of children. Definitely recommend this book for young audiences!

[Tie Jones]

Great Explanation for my Pre K Class

My Children range from 3-4 years old and this book will help them to understand the basic functions of wheels and axels, pulleys, levers, and how simple machines are helpful. They can understand how simple machines make life easier.. Thanks for the delightful story

[Sandy]

I really like this series for introducing science concepts to the littlest minds. Using animals as the "load" this book describes different simple machines that could be used to lift the heavy objects. I'm sure we'll grab this book many times over the next few years as we are exploring the world of physics, so I'm happy that it is one we have on our book shelf.

[Vanessa Westen]

This book is a fun book that teaches students about simple machines in a way they will understand.

[Lauren Derosa]

“How Do You Lift a Lion” by Robert E. Wells is a great book to teach young children about physics. I think it is a great idea to use animals to teach math like this because it is an element that children will always love and have in common with others. I think that this book does a very good job at introducing the basics for physics which can be very helpful to young children who haven’t yet heard of physics yet but are just getting an idea of what it is. This book does a great job of giving them examples, which is a very clever way to teach. I can definitely see myself using this book in my own classroom when I become a teacher because it teaches in a way that I could make lesson plans based on the book to teach my students an introduction to physics.

[Gen]

This is a fantastic book to introduce children to the world of physics. How Do You Lift a Lion? answers the question of how to move heavy objects by introducing machines: pulleys, wheels, and levers and the concept of weight, motion, gravity, and force. The children will gain a basic idea of what physics is and how it works. Since the book relates the topic of physics to fun animals, the kids will get a more enjoyable read out of it. I mean, what kind of child doesn't like or isn't curious about animals? Although the text was relatively easy to understand, the illustrations definitely aid to its meaning. The pictures are silly, colorful, and funny. The book also has a glossary in the back, so that is a definite bonus. I recommend How Do You Lift a Lion? for kindergarteners-3rd graders.

[Portable]

Another great question book from the wonderful Wells of Knowledge Science series by Robert Wells, and a nice companion read to What's Faster Than a Speeding Cheetah?. This book deals with the more complex scientific areas of gravity, levers and pulleys, but is still both diverting and entertaining.

[Amy]

This book explains machines with wonderful illustrations. The text was a little difficult for my six year old--words like "fulcrum".

First it shows a lion being lifted using a lever.
Second it shows a panda being pulled on a pallet using wheels. (Downhill allows you to go even faster.)
Third it shows lifting bananas into a tree to a baboon party using two pulleys.

I would love to know if this could really be accomplished by two kids!!!!

[Heather]

We've read this a few times over the years and pulled it out again for physics. This gives a very simple explanation of simple machines (levers, pulleys, wheels). The kids enjoyed the silly pictures and I thought the pictures did a good job illustrating the concept being discussed. The book works well for the younger grades but really needs some hands-on activities.

A good choice, but make sure to add on with experiments.

[James Vickery]

This book is on a fourth grade level. It is in the fourth grade that students start to look into the make-up of a simple machine. This book helps the reader to understand the concept of force, motion, and weight in terms of simple machines. This book also does a good job by pointing out the direction in which the force travels.

[Maleigha]

Students will explore the functions of gravity, leverage, friction, and pulleys as they read. The theories of physics are introduced to young learners through the reader’s interest in animals. This is a clever book that keeps students questioning science. Such a cute book to keep the students engaged and listening.

[Alisa]

This was the PERFECT book for helping our 5 and 7 year old understand simple machines at a level they comprehend. we really enjoyed the silly animal pictures and situations used to describe levers, pulleys, and wheels. Of course, nothing replaces actually building and using a simple machine, but it definitely enhanced our homeschooling activities.

[Alicia]

I like this book for the same reasons I have states I like the other Robert E. Wells books. It is just great.

[Ebookwormy1]

Simple machines, gravity and friction are covered in a fun style. Basic enough for preschoolers, yet informative enough for older children and adults to enjoy. A home school essential.

[Gina Starling]

Grades 2-4

Introducing students to simple explanations of pulleys, levers, and,wheels, while the characters try to lift a panda and a lion.

[A Reader]

It was a really good book how do you lift a loin was really funny and helped me learn about simple machines. Anonymous (7/12/2012)age8

[Rebecca]

A gentle introduction to simple machines. Great and simple way to 'do' science with littles. My children love finding the mouse on each page and enjoy the illustrations.

[Sticky Note Book Recs Melissa]

Read this to my 5 year old to explain simple machines. The author does a great job at breaking down the parts of each simple machine (pulley, lever, wheel) and explaining how they work!

[Melissa]

This series is an absolute favorite in our home. Robert Wells makes topics so understandable for kids and presents them in a fun way.

[Emmie]

This is a good intro to simple machines. We enjoyed this for my 4-year-old's preschool science lesson one day.

[Lisa]

Explains simple machines using colorful pictures and basic terms that young children can understand.

[Lydia Goddard]

Cute book to get kids thinking about basics of levers, wheels, and pulleys.

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers]

Simplifies simple machines with animal examples.

[Megan]

Science

[Min Huang]

Great book for explaining some simply physics to children. Educational but yet fun to read. Highly recommended.

[Kimberly]

Easy to understand read for kids that introduces concepts such as gravity, friction, and simple machines (pulleys, wheels, levers).

[Sarah]

Simple machines!