Synergy: Celebrating Invention

INVENTION is the act of creating something original such as a process or device. The term invention is also used to describe something that has been invented. Generally, an invention is considered something that hasn’t been made before. It’s totally unique and based on new ideas. It’s a product of imagination.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

COPY THAT, COPY CAT! written by Katrina Tangen and illustrated by Giulia Orecchia shares inventions inspired by animals. The author is effective in introducing concepts related to biology and biomimicry through easy to understand examples. The colorful collage illustrations and predictable format will appeal to young picture book readers. The interactive flaps encourage additional engagement. ARC courtesy of Barefoot Books.

OPEN SCIENCE: KNOWLEDGE FOR EVERYONE written by Monique Polak and illustrated by Catherine Chan introduces middle-grade readers to the concept of open science and the importance of collaboration in STEM. By tracing the benefits of sharing scientific research through history, readers learn how even young citizen scientists can have a positive impact. Useful blocks of text, photographs, diagrams, and other illustrations add to the appeal. ARC courtesy of Orca Book Publishers.

GLITTER EVERYWHERE written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat explores where glitter came from, where it’s found, and where it’s going. This attractive nonfiction picture book connects glitter with science and history uncovering fascinating facts and encouraging children to think about the pros and cons of this shiny confetti. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

OPERATION CUPCAKE by Bambi Edlund is an engaging picture book demonstrating how simple machines work. In this engaging picture book, readers follow an adorable group of critters overcoming obstacles to invent the ultimate cupcake swiping machine. Readers learn about each of the six types of simple machines and its role in solving a particular problem. The ingenious story along with the easy-to-understand explanations are perfect for the target audience. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

SPARE PARTS written by Joshua Davis and adapted by Reyna Grande tells the true story of four undocumented teenagers, one ugly robot and an impossible dream. This young reader edition of the bestselling adult book and movie shares the inspiring story of two high school science teachers who inspired four teens to build an underwater robot. ARC courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan. 

Book Review: What If...

WHAT IF… by Samantha Berger is a picture book exploring the power of imagination and determination.

Using lyrical prose and bright colored collages, the author and illustrator tell the story of a young girl who imagines how she would express herself if her traditional art tools disappeared.

Librarians will find this picture book to be useful in jumpstarting a discussion of creativity and imagination. It could also be applied in a lesson about invention and persistence. Use it in a display featuring other books about creativity.

Published on April 3, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Izzy Gizmo

IZZY GIZMO by Pip Jones tells the story of a young inventor who befriends an injured crow.

This colorful, lyrical picture book follows Izzy Gizmo who loves inventing things. Although she sometimes gets frustrated when her creations break down, she’s determined to help a crow with a broken wing. Of particular note are the attractice illustrations by Sara Ogilvie that are likely to appeal to children.

Librarians will find an audience among children who enjoy books about creativity and ingenuity. Weave the book into STEAM activities connected with invention and perseverance.

Published on March 1, 2018 by Peachtree. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

SPIC-AND-SPAN!: LILLIAN GILBERT’S WONDER KITCHEN by Monica Kulling tells the inspiring true story of an ingenious woman who used creativity and perseverance to succeed. From factory assembly lines to kitchen layouts, Lillian Gilbreth spent her life looking for ways to make everyday tasks more efficient. The mother of eleven children, she applied what she learned at home to inventions and ideas that everyone could use.

Monica Kulling’s narrative skillfully weaves useful facts into a fascinating story, while David Parkins’ appealing illustrations match perfectly with the tone of this informational reading experience.

SPIC-AND-SPAN is Monica Kulling’s latest addition to her popular “Great Idea” series featuring the lives of inventors and their inventions. Use the books in a literature circle focusing on informational reading, biography, and inventions.

Unfortunately, children aren’t likely to pick up this book on their own. Teachers librarians will need to think of creative ways to market SPIC-AND-SPAN with children. Consider ways to connect the book with other science and engineering books. Or, focus on the biographical elements and connect them with other books about people. This would be a wonderful book to feature during Women’s History Month. Build a display focusing on woman engineers.

There are some excellent websites focusing on the life of Lillian Gilbreth. Develop an activity that asks students to compare the book to information they find on the web about this exceptional woman. Talk to children about comparing three different sources of information.

Download a Teacher’s Guide for the book at https://tundrabooks.files.wordpress.com/…/spic-and-span_gui….

Published in 2014 by Tundra Books. The publisher provided a print copy for this review.