Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections

Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections is a children’s illustrated book that takes readers inside an extensive range of buildings and machines. Through detailed cutaway artwork, it moves from helicopters and submarines to skyscrapers and coal mines, presenting each subject as a scene filled with activity.

Using cross-section slices and exploded views, the illustrations show what is happening within each setting. The book features locations including a Spanish galleon and a medieval castle, as well as views of people inside the Empire State Building, workers backstage at an opera house, and the crew’s sleeping quarters on a jumbo jet. Two fold-outs add extra detail, focusing on an ocean liner and a steam train.

Key details

• Children’s illustrated book featuring cutaway drawings
• Includes cross-sections, exploded views and two fold-outs
• First published in 1992
• More than a million copies sold
• Award-winning illustrated book by Stephen Biesty

Synopsis

This book explores how extraordinary structures and machines work through cross-sections and cutaway illustrations. Details are highlighted and explained, with additional facts included throughout.

A recurring visual challenge appears in almost every scene, inviting readers to find a man sitting on a toilet.