The greatest discoveries are made outside the classroom! Learn all about mistakes that changed the world with this collection of the strange stories behind everyday inventions! It's no accident that you'll love this book!
SANDWICHES came about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free. POTATO CHIPS were first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren’t thin enough. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, and X rays have fascinating stories behind them too! Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious cartoons and weird, amazing facts, make up this fun-filled book about everyday items that had surprisingly haphazard beginnings.
And don't miss Eat Your Words about the fascinating language of food!
“A splendid book that is as informative as it is entertaining . . . a gem.” —Booklist, Starred Review
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
CHARLOTTE FOLTZ JONES was an author of award-winning nonfiction books for children, as well as numerous magazine articles.
JOHN O'BRIEN is a frequent contributor to the New Yorker magazine and has illustrated many popular children's books.
Gr 3–5—All of the inventions mentioned in this book were the result of accidents. Frozen dinner rolls, cheese, Velcro, piggy banks, X-rays, and penicillin were all "oopsies" that turned into popular everyday items. Sections cover food, clothing, toys, medical inventions, and more. Significant changes have been made to the original version of this title, published in 1991. Recent statistics replace outdated numbers: how much cheese people eat, how much Coke has been consumed, how many potato chips are sold, etc. Previously, additional information or recipes were included on the page. Now, they are given their own space, making them easier to read. Gone are the full-page, color, pen-and-ink illustrations. Smaller, black-and-white versions are inserted among the text. These images comically portray the unexpected benefits that can come from making mistakes. VERDICT Nicely updated; consider to replace the older edition.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00092868870
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00097454353
Seller: Zoom Books East, Glendale Heights, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: good. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZEV.0399552022.G
Seller: More Than Words, Waltham, MA, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. O'Brien, John (illustrator). A sound copy with only light wear. Overall a solid copy at a great price! Seller Inventory # BOS-L-04i-01572
Seller: Books for Life, LAUREL, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: very_good. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Book is in very good condition. Clean with little to no signs of wear or markings highlights. Seller Inventory # LFM.7XZP
Seller: Greenworld Books, Arlington, TX, U.S.A.
Condition: good. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Fast Free Shipping â" Good condition book with a firm cover and clean, readable pages. Shows normal use, including some light wear or limited notes highlighting, yet remains a dependable copy overall. Supplemental items like CDs or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # GWV.0399552022.G
Seller: ZBK Books, Carlstadt, NJ, U.S.A.
Condition: good. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Fast & Free Shipping â" Good condition with a solid cover and clean pages. Shows normal signs of use such as light wear or a few marks highlighting, but overall a well-maintained copy ready to enjoy. Supplemental items like CDs or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # ZWV.0399552022.G
Seller: ThriftBooks-Reno, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0399552022I3N00
Seller: ThriftBooks-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0399552022I3N00
Seller: ThriftBooks-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. O'Brien, John (illustrator). Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0399552022I3N10