For 10 years Alan and Lynn Bartholomew have been perfecting the electric gadgets they present in this book. Obviously they enjoy messing around with wires, batteries, and a host of tubes, bottles, bulbs, and motors, and their interest shows in the thought that has gone into presentating their ideas.

Nine gadgets are described here, ranging from a simple flashlight to a complex set of windshield wipers for glasses. They include a car that runs, a remote control boat, communication buzzers, and a fake finger that squirts water at unsuspecting friends. The gadgets are presented in order from simplest to most difficult, and each one is clearly explained and well presented in the easy-to-follow text and the straightforward colour illustration. The first three chapters introduce the reader to the materials required and the construction of the switches and battery packs common to all the gadgets. A final short chapter introduces a couple of extra gizmos. Throughout, steps that might prove dangerous, such as cutting holes in plastic bottles or shaping small pieces of wood, are highlighted with a symbol indicating that adult help or supervision is required. The steps for each project are logical and each set of instructions begins with a list of things needed. In some cases, the list is the most complex part of the description; the wiper glasses require 24 separate items. Generally, the work required is easy although the numerous steps in the more involved projects might prove repetitive.

This book will appeal to children who have an interest in making the gadgets and gizmos for their own sake. They will learn much about the practical applications of electricity, and the breakdown into steps allows the more creative kids to go on and build battery-powered gadgets of their own. On the other hand, kids without the basic interest at the beginning will probably not be drawn in. That’s because the finished gadgets are items that – like the flashlight – can be bought in a much flashier form for very little money, or – like the wiper glasses – will strike some kids as positively nerdy. For the right kid, however, this book will provide hours of imaginative fun.