Toasters, toilets and televisions, computers, cars and chocolate bars, flying machines and even your jeans. All these everyday things and many more are only here because someone bothered to invent them. This book reveals the real-life stories and bright sparks behind dozens of brilliant inventions.
Freelance children’s writer and editor, based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Anna Claybourne writes children's information books on all kinds of topics: science experiments, ancient history, the human body, things to make, the environment, robots, evolution, art, fashion, Shakespeare and many more - as well as retellings of myths, legends and Shakespeare plays, and rhyming stories.
She studied English literature at university, but has always been interested in science, technology and art and design as well. She loves making and crafting, especially sewing, and her house is full of fabrics, craft materials, tools and books. Other interests and passions include camping, cats, outdoor swimming, news and politics, and music - she plays the trombone and has played in many different bands and orchestras, including performing live on a John Peel session in 2002 with Scottish band Ballboy.
Anna was born and grew up in Yorkshire, but has also lived in Canada as a student, Iceland as an au pair, and Costa Rica as a conservation volunteer, where she saw tarantulas, tapirs, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and giant katydids. She now lives in Edinburgh with her two children and two cats, Skye and Socks.
My 8 year old and I just devoured this book! Dozens of inventions, detailed information concisely worded, and cute artistic work to compliment each 2-page informational excerpt. A fun addition to our homeschool historical / science studies.
I found The Story of Inventions engaging in both writings and the design. I felt that the illustrations and their captions regarding the different inventions were quite effective. The illustrations were eye-catching and the captions added to the information that was being conveyed. The organization of this book was laid out and grouped well.
From my 11 year old: “I learned sooo much from this book, like how Velcro was made and how a woman made a washing machine because she didn’t like clean dishes and her maids and butlers always chipped her dishes! Very fun and interesting book.”
A great example of why I love Usborne books- so much information presented in a very engaging way! I would like to get their other “Story of...” books!
Great personal read for my 5th grader. He enjoyed learning about so many of the inventions over time and it got him interested in doing research on many of them.
This was a find at my library sale! Bought it to gift but now do not want to part with it. We will see if it is wrapped or lent out from my personal collection.
The Story of Inventions is a brilliant, informative book for children. It is non-fiction and focuses on the most important inventions ever. They include dishwashers, ball-point pens, vacuum cleaners and microwaves. It's meant for children aged 7+but is entirely suitable for curious children of any age. It explains everything in a fun, easy to read way that is perfectly understandable. A great book to give as a present to any budding young inventor!
This is an amazing book! I read this when I was younger but still sometimes I go through the pages because history has been something that I really seem to enjoy. It's a good book, no matter what's your age!