Practical-minded readers will appreciate the way this series makes full use of natural and human-made products. Each application of materials acts as a starting point for learning about the properties of each material. For example, why is glass used in windows but not used to make shoes? "Don't Use It boxes describe how the material shouldn't be used and gives the series an especially unique perspective. The featured illustrations are as imaginative as the text, while a dynamic layout with close-up photos help readers to connect to the material at hand.