FICTION

Inventions That Could Have Changed the World…But Didn't

by Joe RHATIGAN
illus. by Anthony Owsley. 80p. bibliog. ebook available. further reading. illus. index. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Charlesbridge/Imagine! Feb. 2015. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781623540241.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–6—Opening with a discussion of inventions that weren't as effective as promised, Rhatigan examines these, seeing them as steps toward innovations that did work—an important lesson for students. The inclusion of actual patent drawings offers insight into the patent process as well as humorous commentary. Readers will enjoy the wide variety of craziness, organized to show that mixed among the many unknown inventors are famous names such as Thomas Edison and Buckminster Fuller, who each had their share of unsuccessful projects. A scattering of photos brings a connection to the real world and contrasts dramatically with the abundance of cartoon drawings intended to enhance the absurdity of some inventions. The layout is busy with random splashes of primary colors to distinguish the vignettes.
VERDICT This book will be of interest to curious kids with an engineering bent, though it is not an essential purchase.
Reviewed by Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX
This amusing book surveys hundreds of dubious inventions, from a car whistle to signal low fuel to a wearable plastic tent to keep a dog dry during rainfall. It's loosely organized by function, with illustrations ranging from black-and-white patent diagrams to whimsical, colorful cartoons. Some well-known inventors' failures are included (e.g., Edison's concrete house). Bib., ind.
, Feb 01, 2015

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