Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane's Bright Invention Makes a Splash, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Sarah Green. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2023. $24.99 ages 7 and up

 

"Working in the backyard shed with a 
mechanic, George Butters, Josephine 
brought her idea to life. 
When it failed, she started over. When
she was close, she kept refining. 
Revising, reworking, rethinking. 
Finally, like a crystal-clean goblet, 
things began looking brighter!"

Thank goodness for wise and persistent women like Josephine Cochrane - always striving to make life better! A modern woman living after the Civil War, she is always looking forward. In the aftermath of a dinner party, Josephine takes it upon herself to wash dishes that have seen better days. As she stands working, she realizes she is missing doing those things she loves because of the dish washing. 

"There must be a better way!" 

At a time when many inventors were doing important work, Josephine decides to join them. Doing her research, Josephine studies what had come before her time. She is convinced she can do better. After a number of tries, it looks like she will be successful. The sudden death of her husband puts a stop to her dreaming. 

Once the many bills are paid, Josephine goes to work with Geroge Butters again, intent on finding success. Her patent is approved early in 1886. A woman running a company is unlikely to get invenstors in a male-dominated business world. Josephine is persistent, taking her dishwasher to Chicago's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and winning first prize. Orders pour in, leading eventually to great success for the inventor and the many homes that benefit from her invention today. Bravo!  

Did you know who invented the dishwashing machine? I certainly did not. Now, I do. 

An author's note, a list of noted inventors who are women, a timeline of fascinating inventions, and a list of sources are included. 

The Girl Who Built An Ocean: An Artist, an Argonaut, and the True Story of the World's First Aquarium. Written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 7 and up

 

"Jeanne started to collect everything that 
caught her eye. She kept specimens of 
minerals and fossils in jars, preserved 
delicate butterfly wings on paper, and 
lined her desk with a rainbow of sea-
shells, pebbles, and coral."

What an interesting and inquisitive woman Jeanne Villepreux-Power was! In her time, female scientists and their work were given little attention. She persisted in her studies and today is known as the woman who invented the first aquarium, as well as a top researcher into the shell growth and behavior of the argonaut. 

Growing up with a shoemaker father and a dressmaker mother, Jeanne's interest in fabric and design was not surprising. Determined to become better, she moved to Paris at 18 and worked as a seamstress. Her hard work and design instincts found favor with many women from around the world. Always adventurous, she moved with her new husband to Sicily. There, she discovered the beauty of the ocean and its many amazing creatures. Her obsession with discovery led to avid collection and observation. 

As she sketched the intriguing ocean creatures, she was discouraged with their sudden disappearances. She needed to find a way to keep them closer for a longer time. Her interest and inventiveness led her to design a variety of aquariums to 'bring the ocean to her'. There was much to learn. 

Jeanne was especially intrigued by the argonaut; a small octopus with a delicate shell. Her curiosity concerning the shell inspired further research. 

"Jeanne collected argonaut eggs from 
the ocean. Raising them in her aquariums, 
she took notes, made sketches, and observed 
them every day." 

Her hard work led to oceanographers around the world learning more about the environment itself and its many astonishing creatures. What an inspiration! 

Those who know Jess Keating's books will know that her writing makes science accessible to even our youngest readers. This book is no exception to that. In clear text, she introduces another female researcher whose work is testament to the perseverance that led to new discoveries in the world of science. Ms. Nutter's digital artwork adds impressive settings and many fine details to the storytelling. An author’s notes about Jeanne, the argonaut, and a timeline are welcome. 
                                                                             

Too Much Trash: How Litter Is Hurting Animals, written by Joan Marie Galat. Orca, 2023. $21.95 ages 9 and up

 

"If you're like me, discovering how trash harms 
animals can make you feel frustrated, but there is 
good news. As you'll see, we can find better ways 
to prevent the mess by examining why people 
leave garbage behind. We can uncover the most 
effective ways to clean up by looking at what 
happens to trash after it falls from a person's 
hand."

Appeal to a child's sense of right and wrong when it comes to animals and you are likely to get some action in combatting whatever it is that is affecting them. Tell them that litter is hurting animals, and they will appreciate knowing ways to make things better. 

In this book, Joan Marie Galat uses clear and convincing text to show how litter is created and what it does to our environment, and to animals and their habitats. When animals come in contact with the many forms of litter found where they live, they can be injured, face disease, even be poisoned by it. Cleaning it up, as too many know, can be very expensive. With climate change, its effects are more pronounced. 

In the first three chapters, the focus is on the problems that litter creates: why it is troublesome, where it comes from, and what happens when it is found in the wild. Throughout the reading, the author concentrates on solutions to those problems, providing readers with engaging ideas, and making them aware of the steps they can take to help alleviate the challenges to animals.

Ms. Galat also shines a light on young people who are making a difference, and what they are doing to encourage others. As is true of all books in the Orca Footprints series, sidebars add information pertinent to the learning, vivid captioned photos add context, fact boxes, charts, lists, and 'true or false' questions invite careful thought and conversation. The design is perfect for the target audience, offering just enough information to keep them attending to text, and providing answers to certain questions they may have.

Back matter includes acknowledgements, a list of print and online resources, an extensive glossary, and a helpful index.  

Imagine the changes we could make working together to ensure that animals are protected, while also protecting the natural wonder of the planet we call home. This book provides an excellent start toward accomplishing that goal. 

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better, written by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, and illustrated by Keith Mallett. Crown, Penguin Random House, 2023. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Gus became an expert at making a cold, 
sweet pudding with eggs and milk. It was 
called ice cream, and it had been a favorite 
of presidents since George Washington. Gus
made the sweet treat in an ice cream "machine" - 
a wooden bucket with a metal canister inside. 

Making ice cream was a slow process. Gus 
had to time it just right so it would be ready 
when dessert was served."

Gus Jackson was born in 1808, a free African American, who loved making meals for his family. At 12, he found a job working in the White House kitchen, helping the cooking staff do jobs that needed doing. Gus worked hard. 5 years later, he was promoted to cook where he learned to make ice cream. Everyone who came to the White House for dinner loved it. 

That led Gus to a new dream. He wanted to make ice cream for everyone. At 22, he said goodbye to his friends in the White House kitchen and went home again. He soon opened his own ice cream shop. He needed to find a way to make his ice cream last longer than it did if you were serving it only to dinner guests. Placing tins of ice cream in ice chips and then in a big block of ice was a hit. People filled his shop wanting to buy his ice cream. 

With his shop and a push cart for outside sales, he sold all the ice cream he made. Others now opened their own shops. Gus decided he would sell his ice cream to them. He had to put on his thinking cap to make another dream come true.  How could he make it faster and last longer? He did it - he figured it out! 

"Ice cream! Ice cream! Quite a treat! 
Come smile awhile and beat the heat! 
Try butter pecan - rum raisin, too!
Got a sweet tooth? Made just for you!"

This kind of little-known story is exactly why I love to read picture book biographies. You can meet new and interesting people every time you read one, then introduce your kids and students to real-life heroes who have done amazing things. Just like Gus did! 

Keith Mallett created the art for this book using digital painting. That art is reminiscent of the time period, and the settings where Gus lived his life. Expressive faces, period clothing and contextual drawings help with understanding for young readers. Back matter includes a recipe for making ice cream, an afterword and a list of sources.                                                                          

Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan's Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal, written by Karyn Parsons and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2021. $23.99 ages 5 and up

 

"His mind churned and churned
With new ideas to invent.
Some drew attention. 
Some paid the rent. 

But Garrett didn't care about fame
Or about wealth.
What he wanted most 
Was to show he could help."

Have you ever considered how people stayed safe on city streets before there were street lights? As a familiar sight in our everyday world, they are just one more of those things we know have always been there. Not so. Have you even wondered who invented them?  This book will tell you. After seeing a car crash between a horse and carriage and a car, and being knocked over by a bicyclist, Garrett Morgan decided something must be done to make his world a safer place. 

In childhood, Garrett was a dreamer. His help on the farm was often more hindrance than help. On his own, he spent time imagining uses for the many discarded objects he found. One day, while daydreaming, he just missed being hit by a car. His parents were frightened to think what troubles he might face; they decided to send him to a tutor in the city to protect him from more trouble. His mother offered advice. 

"While Ruth's good at fishing,
And Will likes to bake, 
Lucille loves the stars
and the patterns they make. 

Frank's good with tools, 
Can fix anything. 
And Minnie's at her best
When she can sing. 

You, too, son, have something
That's all yours alone. 
Something to contribute 
That's just not yet known."

The bustle of the city was terrifying for a boy raised on the farm. Garrett did his studies, and got a job fixing sewing machines - a perfect setting for his active mind. New inventions made him happy. While out walking one day Garrett was witness to the crash that changed his life, and ours. 

Poetic quatrains make the text accessible for a young audience. Garrett's life story is told to help shed a light on the achievements of African Americans. Effective and engaging, it does exactly that. Mr. Chrsitie's artwork is created in gouache and then digitally collaged. It captures Garrett's life and emotions to great effect and provides a setting that brings the time period front and center. 

An author's note, an archived photo of Garrett (1950) and the patent for his traffic signal invention follow the story. Some readers will be inspired and will want to know more. That is the best learning that comes from reading about this accomplished man. 

Blips on a Screen: How Ralph Baer Invented TV Video Gaming and Launched a Worldwide Obsession, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Zachariah Ohora. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages

"He liked the idea of working with radios -
people around the world tuned in every 
day to gasp over mystery shows, laugh 
with comedians, and worry over wartime 
news. He enrolled in radio-repair classes."

I have no business writing a post about a persistent and prolific inventor who made video gaming a fixation for people around the world. However, having read this book about Ralph Baer and being able to follow his process thanks to the detailed illustrations created by Zachariah Ohara, I feel a touch more qualified at this point. I hope I can do it justice.  

For Kate Hannigan, inspiration came while wondering what her son would find interesting enough to read. Wanting to learn about what was important to him, she researched the history of gaming. She begins with the journey from one blip on the screen to the Brown Box. This led her to Ralph Baer, the man whose move to New York from Germany as a child grew up to love working with radios. He enrolled in radio-repair classes, and went from there to renown in his field. 

That love led him to look to television, which was fast becoming an important household word. He began designing them and quickly realized that their lines on the screens looked like board games. Why not use them to play games? It took many years, using his combined knowledge of radio, television and military experience, before he developed his idea for a 'game box'. 

Real work often got in the way, but Ralph and his friend Bill Harrison worked tirelessly through countless long nights to create the 'first two-person video game contest in history'. The work did not end there. Ms. Hannigan keeps the story going as Ralph patented, presented, produced, and improved on his remarkable invention! 

In back matter, four pages of questions and answers add further facts about Ralph and his life. A timeline follows, as well as a list of resources (books, websites and museums). Ralph Baer died in December 2014 at age 92. His legacy lives on for people around the world. 

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat. Written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Milan Pavlovic. Kids Can Press, 2019. $18.99 ages 5 and up

"When not busy with his
schoolwork or chores,
Frank could be found ...

adventuring with his brother Cray,
practicing his cornet,
or learning magic tricks.

He also pondered important
questions ... "

Even as a young boy, born in 1894, Frank William Epperson had a dream for himself. He wanted to invent things - great things. He wanted to be known for his inventions. His mind was filled with questions, and he was not afraid to ask them.

"Do goldfish sleep?

Do ants have ears?

Do woodpeckers get headaches from pecking all day?"

All questions seemed worthy of asking and trying to find answers. Frank also loved to experiment, using the back porch as his lab and coming up with design after design for a wide variety of inventions. First was a 'handcar with two handles'. It went twice as fast as those with only one handle. Eureka! He also loved to experiment with liquids; his favorite were flavored soda waters. He loved the sounds, the smells, and the taste of all those bubbles on his tongue. He bought various flavored powders and used them for experimenting with taste.

Never one to give up, Frank was constantly working to make the neighborhood a better place for the children, and he was always in charge of the soda water stand. One day when the outside temperature suddenly plummeted, Frank got to thinking about what might happen to a liquid left outside on a cold night. Morning came, and Frank was able to enjoy 'a frozen drink on a stick!' What a surprise!

He never forgot about that icy stick as years passed. As father to a growing family, he remembered that drink and wondered if it might bring him fame and fortune. He worked tirelessly to perfect it. Finally, he could make enough to sell at county fairs. He called them Ep-sicles. Finally, one of his kids inspired the new name - the name we continue to call them today. Pop-sicle!

The science experiments included are perfect for inspiring budding scientists to try their hand at some of the investigations Frank was trying. An author's note provides additional information about Frank and his many successes. Archival photos are wonderful, and a bibliography provides for further reading.

This is a great read aloud; it tells about one intrepid inventor who would not give up on his dream. Milan Pavlovic provides fabulous historical and inviting illustrations and an impressive design.
                                                                             

the Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons, written by Natascha Biebow and illustrated by Steven Salerno. Houghton MIfflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2019. $25.50 ages 6 and up

"Edwin thought about his company's
inventions:

When you drew a picture with a gray
slate pencil, it rubbed off at the drop
of a hat.

When you drew a picture with their
white chalk, it smudged everywhere.

If you drew a picture with Edwin's new ... "

Edwin Binney wanted the best for children ... something to color with that was safe and cheap enough for their parents to purchase. His invention of Crayola crayons has obviously had a lasting effect on art programs in school and in homes everywhere.

Edwin was a man to whom color brought great happiness. He spent his days working with and selling carbon black, 'a new kind of pigment'. Also an inventor of slate pencils (gray), chalk (white), and a black wax crayon for writing on various surfaces, he was encouraged by his wife (and others) to invent better crayons for children.

His path was set. He led a team who tried and failed, then tried again ... always experimenting to find the perfect mix that would provide a world of color for children as they went about creating their personal masterpieces.

"They came home covered in color.
They experimented some more and discovered -
a pinch of this pigment
a sploosh of that one,
a little hotter, a little cooler ...

and voila. LOTS of different shades! 
Now there were greens, oranges, violets, and pinks too!
Edwin came home covered in color."

Children who use crayons with abandon will recognize many of the names given to the wide array of crayons available today. The first eight packs had everything children at the time needed for their artistic pursuits ... and their parents could afford to buy them. Each new color invented had to have a name appropriate to its shade and provide children the colors needed to draw anything they wanted to draw.

The illustrations are bold, historically accurate, filled with expression and detail. Go to Steven Salerno's website at ,https://www.stevensalerno.com to see how he created the many wonderful images for this entertaining read.

Text boxes throughout provide additional, relevant information for readers. Follow-up matter provides a 10-step look at the way Crayola crayons are made today; as well, there is further biographical data provided for Edwin Binney, and a selected bibliography. 
                                                                     

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille, by Jen Bryant with illustrations by Boris Kulikov. Alfred A. Knopf, Random House. 2016. $23.99 ages 6 and up

"My family did what they could. Papa made a wooden cane. Each day I walked a little farther, tap-tap, tap-tap, tap-tap ... counting the steps between the house and the garden, the vineyard and the chicken coop, the baker's and the miller's ... and back to Papa's shop. My brother taught me to whistle: vreeee, vreeee, vreeeew! And when the sound echoed back ... "

I knew one thing about Louis Braille. I suspect you might be the same. I did not know that he was a very tiny baby, not expected to survive. I did not know what a happy, smart child he was. I did not know that an accident with an awl and a resulting infection left him without sight. Now, I do - and I know much more. It is why I have such admiration for the brilliant work that artists are doing to help our children meet new heroes.

"I could see nothing at all. No trees or sparrows.
No faces. No lace or loaves of bread.
By the time I turned five, I was completely blind.
...
My world was dark and dangerous.
I stumbled about the house, banging into chairs,
the walls, the door. My body ached.
"Where is the sun?" I cried.'

His family helped him deal with this heartbreaking change in his life, and he did well. Louis was more than determined to get an education. He was on a mission to make things better for people like him. He was frustrated by the lack of books for sightless students. Resolved to change that, he worked long years to invent a reading system that would work for himself and many others.

By showing Louis as a young, adventurous, intelligent boy, Jen Bryant prepares us for the diligence he would bring to the task of inventing the Braille system. She tells a powerful story, choosing first person narrative to make it personal and immediate for her readers.

" ... I tried hundreds of ways
to simplify the captain's code.
I worked until my back was stiff and my fingers ached.
Often, I fell asleep a few minutes before morning.

A year passed. Then another, And another.
That winter, I turned fifteen. I was often sick.
But I wouldn't rest."
Boris Kulikov uses light and dark with great effect. Prior to losing his sight, the pages are filled with diffused light. As soon as Louis' eyesight is lost, some backgrounds become dark, with white print to tell the story. Back and forth, the light and darkness move, all dependent on which part of the story is being told. It is brilliantly designed, inspiring as it depicts the life of a determined and engaging young man who made the world a better place.

Endpapers include a message from Helen Keller, and the Braille alphabet itself. There is a pronunciation guide for French words and phrases, an author's note, a question and answer section to help readers know more, and a list of resources about Louis, and for learning more about using Braille. In her author's note, Jen Bryant writes:

"Unlike those other inventors, however, Braille was a child inventor who worked alone and without public support or financial backing. Living in a converted prison building and already suffering the early signs of lung disease, Louis Braille managed to create a system of reading and writing for the blind that is still used today. In the past several centuries, no one so young has developed something that has had such a lasting and profound impact on so many people."
                                                                          

The Secret Subway, written by Shana Corey and illustrated by Red Nose Studio. Schwartz & Wade, Random House. 2016. $23.99 ages 8 and up

"Now a new army of workers arrived carrying paintbrushes and plaster, curtains and mirrors. When they were done, Devlin's basement resembled a fairyland. Perfect! thought Alfred Ely Beach. It was time to share his secret. A few days later ... "

Have you ever stopped to consider the origin of the subway system in New York City? If you have not, as I had not, this is an account that you are sure to find most interesting.

In the mid-nineteenth century, Alfred Ely Beach had a great idea!
Why not build an underground train in New York City to avoid all the congestion and noise to be found above the ground?

With permission to build two pneumatic mail tubes, he began. He did that; he also designed a short working subway that would run from one Manhattan street to another. He had a short tunnel built, used a single car, added the machinery that would make it move pneumatically and voila! a new method of getting from one place to another ... all below the ground. The tunnel was purposefully short and meant to show the political machine it could be successful.

History is alive with grand ideas that have only minimal success. Beach's idea was brilliant, and forward thinking. Unofficially, Boss Tweed had great power at the time and was able to put a stop to any such project. In telling the story, Shana Corey brings history, science, corruption and secret doings to the forefront in descriptive, clear text that is as informative as it is fascinating to her intended audience.

Immediately remove the book jacket to get a step-by-step look at the artist's process for creating the incredible illustrations that so perfectly match the author's text. What amazing work it is! The attention to detail will have readers poring over each and every page, often returning to favorites for continued enjoyment. The vintage photos used as backdrops are a visual delight and add depth for understanding the city at the time.

 

An author’s note offers a bit more detail, and leads to the opening of the famed subway system in 1904. A suggested bibliography and a list of Internet sources will be helpful to those wanting to know more.

 

https://youtu.be/AaAZYNBPiwQ

To The Rescue: Garrett Morgan Underground. Written by Monica Kulling and illustrated by David Parkins. Tundra, Penguin. 2016. $19.99 ages 8 and up

"After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 had killed hundreds, destroying homes and businesses, it took years for workers to rebuild the city. When firefighters entered a burning building, they were often overcome by smoke. It was difficult for them to rescue those who were trapped inside. Garrett decided to invent a hood to give firefighters a fighting chance."

With all the news that is being broadcast right now about the devastating wildfires that caused so much heartbreak and destruction in Fort McMurray, I found myself thinking back to this book that I read a few weeks ago. It is part of the wonderful Great Ideas Series from Tundra Books. Each is a story of an inventor and their amazing invention/s.

This one dates back to the late nineteenth when Garrett Morgan was born the son of freed slaves. His family worked hard every day in the fields of Kentucky, barely making enough to sustain themselves. Garrett wanted more. He was 14 when he headed north to make a better life for himself. Using his ingenuity and a penchant for finding better ways of doing things, he found success as a tailor. While trying to improve the way his sewing machine worked, he inadvertently invented a hair cream that made him enough money to work on his true calling ... inventing.

Following the Triangle Shirt Waist Factory fire in Chicago that killed far too many people, he turned his attention to a hood that firefighters would be able to use to protect themselves by breathing fresh air while inside a burning building. It was disappointing that it did not sell well. Taking a chance and offering his help, he was able to show its benefits in a real fire. It helped save many lives. That safety hood, once modified, also protected soldiers during World War I.

We read in a note called Safety First at the end of the book that Garrett Morgan also invented the traffic signal. Where would we be without these incredibly inventive minds?

This series has introduced me to people I had never known. I admire the way that Monica Kulling provides straightforward text that allows readers to know about their lives, their dedication to making the world a better place, and their successes. David Parkins captures the time and setting, while also providing details that add to the book's impact.