The Science in a piece of paper

By Camilla de la Bedoyere.
Published by Franklin Watts,London, 2008.

The opening pages of the book has interesting facts about paper, for example, if it could be folded 20 times it would be as big as a tall building, wasps make paper too, and writing systems have been around since 3500 BCE using clay, papyrus and parchment before paper was invented. The manufacturing process from forest to different types of paper is covered in text and photographs, but a flow chart would have been a useful addition. The second half of the book looks at the uses of paper, the effect of papermaking on the environment and includes information on recycling and the future of paper. There is a good glossary and index, but I was disappointed with the websites listed for further information. Of the six, only one, about pop up books, related directly to paper.

The breadth of information in the book makes it useful for an overview of the technology of paper. It would be suitable for years 3-5.

This is one of six books in a series called 'The science of materials and more...' The other books in the series look at science in a bicycle, bread, pair of glasses, a guitar and a glass of water.

Reviewed by Heather