Book excerpt: The invention of clocks and calendars has been very important in shaping the progress of human civilisation. This book tells their story, from early timekeeping methods and devices, and the formation of the modern Western calendar, to the creation of extremely accurate digital clocks. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Clocks and calendars! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers' curiosity about the world around them. 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.