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[The Story of Inventions] [By: Anna Claybourne] [January, 2012]

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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.

Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

22 people are currently reading
602 people want to read

About the author

Anna Claybourne

682 books47 followers
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.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
108 (50%)
4 stars
67 (31%)
3 stars
31 (14%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for m a e g a n ♡.
184 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Rebbecca.
29 reviews
May 12, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Ria.
79 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2011
I am totally giving this book the five-star rating it deserves. And guess what! It was even a school book a few years ago! Can't believe it!!!!!!
Profile Image for Sharon Erickson.
128 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2018
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.”
Profile Image for Toby.
93 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Marion.
538 reviews
December 21, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Hayden Friend.
25 reviews
May 13, 2025
I read this in 4th grade and it was a very good book for kids who want to advance their learning
23 reviews
November 4, 2016
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!
Profile Image for Isabel Caldeira.
57 reviews
August 19, 2018
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!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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