What's the Big Idea? explores the story of inventions through the ages and explains how ideas and technology from different countries and times are built on and developed - that inventions don't just 'happen'. Stunningly illustrated throughout, and with a clear text, it covers many important inventions, from the first stone axe to genetic engineering and the internet - not forgetting the 2,400,000 years in between! The lives of famous and not-so-famous inventors are described. Men and women from different cultural backgrounds, whose major contributions have been overlooked in the past, are included. A time line of events puts inventions in their historical context, showing how wars and trade push ideas forward. The book features a clear, concise text, full-colour illustrations and humorous drawings, which will engage even reluctant readers. A complete glossary and index make this title ideal for home and school. "What's the Big Idea?" covers several of the periods studied under Key Stage 2 of the History curriculum, including the major ancient civilisations, the Tudors, the Victorians and modern Britain. It is an ideal text for shared and guided reading for Key Stage 2 pupils within the framework of the National Literacy Strategy. It helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14, promoting 'positive attitudes to learning', 'knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the world' and 'skills in literacy'.