The invention of plastics was one of the most important discoveries of the past century, revolutionising the way things are made, stored, and packaged. This book tells the story of plastics, from the science behind their creation, to their use across all aspects of society. You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Plastic! is part of the new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn't Want to Be series, created and designed by David Salariya.

Soil supplies a surprising variety of materials for making things. If soil didn't exist, life would have developed differently on Earth and humans probably wouldn't be here. You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Soil! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn't Want to Be series.

A satellite is a small object travelling around something bigger. The Moon is a natural satellite of Earth. A spacecraft launched into orbit around Earth is an artificial satellite. Since Sputnik-1, about 6,000 more satellites have been launched by 40 countries. Learn about how we use satellites every day without knowing it to talk on the telephone, watch television, use the internet, predict the weather, navigate the landscape and run businesses.

Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed `How It Works', `Top Tip' or `You Can Do It' supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of `Did You Know?' facts.

Sleep is very mysterious. No one really knows why we do it. And how do we explain all those strange dreams? What scientists do know is that sleeping is essential for health and happiness. You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Sleep! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn't Want to Be series.








Humans have always loved to play games, from dice games in ancient Iran 5,000 years ago to chess and cards in the Middle Ages. Today, fanaticism over console games is at an all-time high, with players arguing passionately why one console is better than another. Learn about the many uses and positive effects of video games: how they can be a teaching aid, exercise our bodies and brains, stimulate our creativity, and bring people together.

Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed `How It Works', `Top Tip' or `You Can Do It' supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of `Did You Know?' facts.

We rely on our mobile phones all the time, whether it's to keep in touch with friends, to play games, or to access the Internet. As phones become smaller, cheaper and more powerful, we find it difficult to imagine life without them. But, until about 30 years ago, there were no mobile phones. How on earth did people manage?

Robots are machines that can be programmed to carry out a series of complex actions automatically or under the control of an operator. They come in all shapes and sizes, from mechanical arms and driverless vehicles to walking, talking, artificial people. Learn about how robots are helping humanity by doing jobs that are too dangerous for people, exploring places that humans cannot reach, and becoming our helpers and companions.

Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed `How It Works', `Top Tip' or `You Can Do It' supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of `Did You Know?' facts.