Mistakes That Worked: The World's Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be - Hardcover

Jones, Charlotte Foltz

  • 4.07 out of 5 stars
    886 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780399552021: Mistakes That Worked: The World's Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be

Synopsis

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

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About the Author

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.

Reviews

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 Recent statistics replace outdated numbers: how much cheese people eat, how much Coke has been consumed, how many potato chips are sold, etc.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

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