Baffling & Bizarre Inventions

by Jim Murphy

A talking watch. An overcoat for two. A pair of pants for poodles. In his companion to Weird & Wacky Inventions, Jim Murphy shows kids some additional baffling and utterly silly inventions in the form of a guessing game that is both challenging and fun. What is a finger-supporting device used for? Can you really buy that talking watch? What on earth is a beard grinder? Whether it’s a device for shaping the upper lip or a life preserver for horses, this parade of unusual inventions is a real treat for trivia lovers and any curious kid with an interest in science and inventions. 9–12.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Technology, Science

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Reviews

[Graham Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

National Book Award finalist Jim Murphy creates a book that focuses on unusual inventions, such as talking watches, life preservers specifically designed for horses, overcoats for two people and training pants for poodles.

The book is presented in a fun question and answer format, when the invention and possible used are on one page, and then the reader turns the page and gets the answer plus some more information. A fun read for trivia lovers and anyone who has an interest in science and inventions.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an funny book to read. Although not a book written for adults it was entertaining. I did learn about a few things that were not known to me. If you have young readers ages 10 to 13 and they like to read about inventions that are not mainstream then this is one for them. Or you can buy it for yourself and say you got for the kids or grandkids to read. Either way it is a win- win.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun! The library I got this from had it set as part of the adult collection, but I gave this to my Teen Librarian to pull some examples and use in our science programs. We're going to talk about how inventions sometimes seem like a good idea but end up being impractical. Then we're going to discuss how some of these same inventions could actually produce other, more useful inventions. Then the kids will invent something of their own!

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read about inventions!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Show kids 2-3 inventions, do Quiz.

Baffling, page 17 (Overcoat)

Baffling, page 55 (Arcade Game with a Human Target)

Weird, pg 15 (Hair Machine)