Benjamin Franklin was amazing. He was a musician, a printer, a cartoonist, a shopkeeper, an inventor and more. He figured out how to solve many problems — including how to steal lightening from the sky to prevent it from starting fires in Colonial towns. Conversational text and lighthearted illustrations introduce this early American hero to a new generation.

A lively, brief, rhyming look at various inventions and the people who created them weaves together with the author's speculation about what might have been behind the brainchild. Fact and fancy combine to motivate a new generation of inventors!

What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, you’d set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight saving time, invented bifocals and the odometer — all inspired by his common sense and intelligence.

Though it's unlikely that anyone has ever heard of Walter Diemer, chances are they've used — or at least heard of — his invention: bubblegum. Diemer's story from accountant to successful inventor is presented in a lively text with cartoon illustrations.

Ever wonder who invented the first dishwasher? How about Ben Franklin's inventions? Need and inspiration seem to be the basis of all inventions, a principle used to organize this fascinating glimpse of myriad inventions and the people who invented them.

Two machines captivated young Philo Farnsworth: a telephone and a phonograph. Both had cranks and both connected people with others (one in real time, the other through music). These and other inspirations motivated young Philo to invent what was to become known as the television. His early story is fascinatingly told and well illustrated.

None of the inventions described in these pages were planned; in fact, some of the inventors had no idea they'd stumbled on something useful until years later, when their works became popular. The author covers both patented inventions (Silly Putty, Popsicles, Coca Cola) and generic ones (bricks, donut holes, cheese). The loony watercolor sketches and all the extras here — fun facts, recipes, and anecdotes — are perfect for browsing. [School Library Journal review]

The author uses the success of 15-year-old Chester Greenwood, who invented earmuffs in 1873, as the takeoff point for introducing more than a dozen contemporary children who have created their own inventions. Readers will enjoy the stories behind such clever creations as an edible pet-food spoon, an adjustable jump-rope belt, and a portable wheelchair ramp; and the accounts serve as wonderful encouragement for kids who want to pursue ideas of their own. [Booklist review]