From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves – A Kirkus-Starred Biography of Transportation Pioneers for Kids

by Vivian Kirkfield, Gilbert Ford

* "These innovations in transportation should inspire readers to go far." – Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewCelebrating the invention of vehicles, this collective biography tells the inspiring stories of the visionaries who changed the way we move across air, water, and land. Perfect for fans of Mistakes that Worked and Girls Think of Everything. In a time when people believed flying was impossible, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier proved that the sky wasn’t the limit. When most thought horseback was the only way to race, Bertha and Karl Benz fired up their engines. From the invention of the bicycle and the passenger steam locomotive, to the first liquid-fuel propelled rocket and industrial robot, inventors across the world have redefined travel. Filled with informative sidebars and colorful illustrations, this collective biography tells the story of the experiments, failures, and successes of visionaries who changed the way the world moves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Biography, History, Picture Books, Childrens, Science

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know that the air balloon was invented in 1783? How about the Wheelchair being invented in 1933? Transportation is such an amazing thing humans have created! From walking or running to flying planes and blasting off rockets into space! This nonfiction book talks about all the fun discoveries and inventions humans have made throughout history to get around the town and even the world. We learn about the bicycle, steam locomotive, gasoline-powered automobile, buses, rockets, wheelchairs, robots, and computer- generated ship design. The illustrations of this nonfiction book really help keep children interested and entertained!

This book is also available as a Hoopla eAudiobook.

Reviewed by: Miss Nessa, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It belongs in every school library! If your child is interested in transportation, this book is for you. I wish books like this were available when my children were small, but I am thrilled that my grandchildren will be reading it. Kirkfield takes us on a journey of learning all about how certain modes of transportation came to be. It is fascinating learning about things that we take for granted. Who knew that bicycles started without pedals?! Kirkfield's short stories and lovely language that she is known for enhances the journey and keeps the reader engaged. The back matter, sidebars, and timelines, only add to the stories. I highly recommend this book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! From the stories behind the first manned balloon flight and the origins of the bicycle, to the birth of robotics and everything in between, readers with even a moderate bit of curiosity about how everyday “things that go” originally got moving will be captivated from cover to cover. Vivian Kirkfield approaches each chapter as a story to tell, with plenty of intriguing personalized details—but not so much that it ever feels bogged down. Some of these details are woven into the main story, and others are incorporated into visually pleasing sidebars. Speaking of the visual aspect of the book, Gilbert Ford’s illustrations throughout are at once slightly vintage and yet very fresh and modern. I was immediately drawn in to the book by Ford’s illustrated timeline—and seriously, how fortuitous is it to have a book about the origins of vehicular motion illustrated by someone with the last name Ford?! Kirkfield uses clever, inviting language throughout, and with each page turn, I found myself wondering, “Where did she find so many fascinating details and factoids?” When I reached the end of the book, I discovered a robust bibliography that fully answered that question. So, whether you choose to walk, ride, or drive to your local bookstore I highly recommend you get moving and get your own copy of this engaging and informative book for young (and not so young!) readers.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to think of a time before the bicycle, but there was a time, and when it was invented it changed how people were able to get around. What about the hot air balloon? Or the first bus? Or a folding wheel chair? These are all things that we need in our lives but we take for granted now.

But once, they did not exist, and people mostly stayed within 30 miles of where they were born. These inventions changed all that for good for for better.

Well written, well researched, easy to read book about major transport invetions that happened over the last few centuries.

A good source for students.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! This book highlights inventors and their inventions relating to how we get around. From bicycles to buses, wheelchairs, robotics, steam trains, and more, the author seamlessly leads readers on a journey through the imagination of truly creative individuals who changed the way we move and travel. Kirkfield uses fun imagery and language, such as, "Clink, clunk, hiss," and "She engaged the gear, and with many pops, shakes, and rattles, they were on their way." The vibrant illustrations perfectly complement the text. The back matter and sidebars are extensive, and include timelines, more research, further reading and enrichment, and motivation for young tinkerers. A must read for home, classroom, and library collections!

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word for From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves: WOW! Each new book Vivian Kirkfield writes builds upon her previous one with more of her signature style, words that show the heart of a story and its characters while delivering messages to her audiences. This book, divided into chapters, shares the most unique individuals in our history, who had the vision to create movement. These inventions range from balloon flights, bicycles, folding wheelchairs, the Greyhound Bus, and more. Individuals such as the Montgolfier Brothers, Bertha and Karl Benz, and Eric Wickman are only a small sampling of the inventors you meet who persevered during many challenges along their journies. In addition, Vivian's varied language including a variety of hooks to engage the reader at the beginning of every chapter, figurative language that captures the essence of the invention, and sidebars filled with additional facts about these people show the reader a work of art and a wealth of information. To round out this amazing experience, she includes a list of child-friendly organizations for readers to investigate if they are interested in creating something themselves. The age range for this amazing book is one to infinity because we are never too young to listen to the stories of others or too old to have an invention of our own. There are wonderful mentors within this book!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Here to There: Inventions that Changed the Way the World Moves, meticulously researched and vibrantly written by Vivian Kirkfield, is a magnificent must-read for anyone who loves inventions, machines that move, or simply true stories. It’s packed full of tales that include the beginnings of the bicycle, the gas-powered automobile, and the Greyhound bus company. The details and tension in each story draws readers in, making them forget that they do in fact know Montgolfiers fly and bicycles roll. I zoom-read through each story, absolutely thrilled to get to the end and discover the triumph of each ingenious plan. Gilbert Ford’s illustrations are bright, vivid and fun—the perfect match for Kirkfield’s talented and dynamic storytelling. Kids, parents, teachers and librarians will all love From Here to There and its unstoppable stories about machines that move.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written and inspiring picture book from author Vivian Kirkfield. This one is aimed at the 8-12-year-old audience, is packed with fascinating information, and is impossible to put down. It celebrates the visionaries who changed the way we move across air, water, and land. Each chapter highlights a different visionary and tells not only of their successes but also of their experiments and their failures as well. The language is easy to follow and captivating. It highlights themes of persistence, hard work, the power of curiosity, and determination. I absolutely love this book and think it belongs in every school library!

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a avid scholar of the human potential. Books like this thrill me and I love to share them with my family.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laundry folding book. I fold. Husband reads book to me. It works.

An interesting overview of many inventions and their creators.

[Karla Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

FROM HERE TO THERE is a thoroughly researched and detailed compendium of wondrous discoveries and the inventors that changed our world. Written as a series of mini-stories, each chapter focuses on a unique discovery, taking readers on a journey from the inception to the execution of ideas that changed the way the world moves. There is so much information and detail on each page, and the illustrations are equally engaging. This is a great book for anyone wishing to feed their curiosity.

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book! What a great intro to many of the contributions to modes of transportation as we know them today. Each chapter features a different inventor or invention and its early evolution, and can be read separately or all in one sitting, as I did. (Couldn't stop!) Some names and stories I knew but many were new to me. I think my favorite was Raye Montague.

[Elizabeth Bedia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating nonfiction book is perfect for all children, especially those aspiring inventors and scientists. From the invention of the hot-air balloon to computer-generated ship design, the reader is immersed in not only the science behind the inventions but the fascinating and inspiring stories of each inventor. Kirkfield’s engaging and clever text along with Ford’s lively illustrations enlightens the reader page after page of the amazing inventors and their inventions that got us up and moving. Timelines and useful backmatter provide additional information for readers to continue their learning and explore opportunities to pursue their own inventive dreams. Highly recommended!

[Jami Gigot · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I took turns reading this together, and both loved learning the history of these different inventions. Each chapter highlights interesting details and facts about an invention that changed transportation in an interesting and engaging way. It is really remarkable to see the timeline of these inventions and what humans have accomplished in the last couple of centuries. A great read!

[Michelle Nott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fascinated by the lives and inventions showcased in From Here to There. Vivian's talent in describing complex ideas into accessible language is apparent in every chapter. I particularly appreciated that she never left out the moments when everything seemed to go wrong (my favorite ingenuity coming from Bertha and Karl Benz's chapter). It's so important for all readers, young and old, to see how much hard work and determination is required to reach one's dreams. Mistakes are bound to be made. Miscalculations are bound to happen. And, sometimes, things explode! But none of these successful inventors ever gave up.
There is an important place for this book in every school, library, and home.

[Carrie Karnes Fannin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE WERE BOOKS LIKE THIS WHEN I WAS A KID? -All machine and motion loving kids will want to read this book. There are nine chapters, each being about the length of a picture book biography (including lush illustrations!) about a visionary whose invention changed the way the world moves. The "sidebars" with additional nifty facts add to the enjoyment of each story. The stories build and progress from the 1700s until recently, but can be read in whatever order interests the reader. Bonus features are a timeline of additional inventions throughout modern history and resources for young inventors to follow their dreams.


*This review is based on an advance copy provided to me by the author at no cost. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and are not contingent upon any obligations.*

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I opened the cover, the attractive graphic, a timeline with so many ways we move, grabbed me. It must have been hard to choose which to include with all those interesting inventions. Vivian Kirkfield chose nine inventors and created nine engaging bios that run the gamut of how we get from here to there. Through great word choice and rhythmic language she SHOWS scientific thinking and brings their process to the reader. Sidebars offer fascinating information without interrupting the story. My favorite part is at the end when we learn that Raye Montague not only astounds with her engineering ability, but also focuses on opening the way for others to use their talents. What a perfect invitation to all young thinkers!

[Kirsti Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Yet once upon a time, the only way to move from place to place was to walk or run or be carried by another person. Then someone made friends with a wild horse—or ox, or mastodon—and jumped on its back. But it wasn’t until the invention of the wheel that things really got rolling."

This engaging and informative book tackles 9 stories of transportation inventions. Just. Wow. Each chapter tantalizes us with little known tidbits, origin stories and fascinating facts! The backmatter adds so just the right amount of information to the book, satisfying the curious mind and making this the kind of book you'll want to read and re-read!

[Keila Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Here to There is an inspirational collective biography about inventors who had to ingenuity and perseverance to create inventions that literally changed how the world moves. Curious kids will love the nine short stories written by Vivian Kirkfield. And they will marvel at the motivation behind their inventions. Readers learn about the invention of the folding wheelchair that helped a man regain mobility taken from him in a horrific accident, making the takeaway "necessity is the mother of invention" abundantly clear! And there are eight more engaging stories anyone of any age would enjoy. The book includes sidebars filled with additional facts. The back matter has a list of organizations for readers to research if they are interested in investigating their own ideas. And for each biography, there is a bibliography to learn even more about the subjects featured and or their inventions. This book is a gift that keeps on giving!

[Alayne Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! What a deal. In my mind, this is basically nine picture books (and then some) for the price of one! Amazing. The discussion on the way the world moves isn’t just about trains, planes, and automobiles. It takes us on a trip back in time, and it offers the unexpected—things such as wheel chairs, robots, rockets and so much more. This isn’t just a book of facts, although there are plenty of facts and plenty to learn. This is an engaging and entertaining book. Each chapter is a picture book within itself. They all tell a story with action, adventure, failures, and successes. The illustrations are icing on an already delicious cake. Together, the text and illustrations demonstrate how each invention came to be and how it has shaped the world we live in today, and all thanks to real people who had a dream or a need. There are an additional eight pages at the end of the book that are filled with sources, resources, and real photos and diagrams from the past. If you love Vivian Kirkfield’s books, you will love this one because her signature style of storytelling with pizzazz and heart fills these pages. Both curious kids and curious adults will enjoy this book. It has something for all ages, and will likely be a library and classroom favorite for all times.

[Shirin Shamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another delightful book to add to this author’s list of FUN non-fiction books. Ms Kirkfield’s mastery of language, engages the reader in storytelling that imparts knowledge in a unique and exciting way. I can see how teachers, parents, librarians -and children- will love this book. I never imagined stories of transportation could take a reader on such a joyful ride. These tales of inventions are so enriching, enticing, engaging. I can imagine readers both young and old, being transported by the colorful, dynamic Illustrations and vivid details of the struggles facing these world-changing visionaries who created things we take for granted each day. Such historical detail and engaging storytelling is an absolute must read.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating nonfiction book is perfect for the budding inventor or vehicle-obsessed child in your life. Well researched and engagingly illustrated, this book pays tribute to 12 transportation innovators and is filled with tantalizing details readers may not be familiar with. For instance, did you know that the first passengers on a hot-air balloon were a duck, a rooster, and a sheep?! Or that in 1970 Raye Montague and her team created a computer program to design a ship? The book includes a fantastic bibliography for readers wanting to learn more and an illustrated timeline to help track the when of each invention. Highly recommended for all libraries and classrooms!

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a star on so many levels. Not only is the information fascinating, but it also demonstrates how persistence, curiosity, and belief in oneself can result in life-transforming inventions. Children, and hopefully adults too, will read about boys, girls, men and women who lived their dreams of career and invention through sheer fortitude. These people didn’t let initial failures, disability, racial and gender discrimination, lack of access to education, or even mockery stop them. Kirkfield bypasses the better-known inventors, except for some mentions in sidebars, to teach us about inspirational individuals whom we may not have known about, but who literally “changed the way the world moves.” Karl Benz might never have marketed his automobile if his daring wife, Bertha, hadn’t snuck the three-wheeled Motorwagen out for a 60-mile trek, making repairs and innovations along the way! And Kirkfield’s engaging writing keeps the reader turning the pages.
The back matter provides a wealth of additional information, including websites and an extensive bibliography for budding inventors. I particularly enjoyed the timeline of inventions, beginning with the canoe and kayak in 5000 BCE and ending with the Google driverless car in 2012. The vivid illustrations add to the pleasure of reading this book, and make it a great addition to anyone’s library.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice! History of transportation! Kids are going to love reading this and learning about all the different means we humans have used to get around. Short chapters, but packed with information. I'm sure grade schoolers will enjoy the book. Good addition to a collection.

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book! It features such interesting people and their journeys to amazing inventions that changed the world and the way of living! The chapters are short and engaging. There's lots of information in the sidebars and rich back matter to supplement classroom learning. The wonderful illustrations work quite well, transporting us back in time and adding the perfect atmosphere to the narrative. Kids would definitely want to reread this book many times! This is must for every school and home library.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won’t be able to put this book down. Wow. This engaging text both delights and delivers. From the incredibly stories to the gorgeous illustrations, this book wins you over from the turn of the very first page. If your kids have ever asked “How?” or “Why?” then this book is for them. Curious kids (and adults) will love learning about history through Kirkfield's absolutely fabulous book, From Here to There.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great overview of a variety of inventions! I was familiar with most of the inventions, but not their origin stories or the people who created them. Gilbert Ford's illustrations are the icing on the cake to Kirkfield's attention grabbing prose. Highly recommended for grades 3 & up.

ARC provided by publisher

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves. The book is all about how really cool things like cars, planes, and even rockets were invented. Can you believe it? Inventions that changed how we move around!

The book is so cool right from the start. On the cover, there are pictures of all these amazing inventions, and guess what? They even tell you the year each one was made. How cool is that? And that's not all, inside the book, you can lift a flap and see even more inventions and learn what they're all about.

One chapter that I loved the most is Chapter 9. It's all about Ray Montella, and she's awesome! She made computer-generated ship designs. I mean, imagine designing ships on a computer! But you know what's funny? Ray Montella is the only girl inventor in the whole book. There are more girls who did cool things, but I wish there were even more.

The part about rocket ships is super exciting too. Rockets can go to space! That's like a big adventure. The book has stories about lots of other inventions too, like cars, trains, and even bicycles. It's like going on a time-traveling adventure to see how everything was invented.

I loved reading this book so much. You know what I learned? You can make anything if you put your mind to it. You just need to have a big imagination and learn how things work. And sometimes, you might make mistakes, but that's okay. You can't give up. You have to keep trying and practicing.

So, if you're into awesome inventions and love thinking about how things were created, you really, really should read "From Here to There." It's like having a time machine to learn about the coolest adventures in inventing stuff. Get ready to be amazed and inspired!

Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/eFCITdo2IpI

[Pippa Chorley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Here to There: Inventions that changed the Way the World Moves, written by Vivian Kirkfield and illustrated by Gilbert Ford is a truly epic and fascinating children’s book! It is a celebration of the invention of vehicles but not as you know it. It features nine little known characters from history who all did amazing things in the field of engineering and science to bring about change, envisage new concepts and create new inventions that helped move transportation from here to there!

The stories inside this anthology for children range from the invention of the first hot air balloon by two brothers, to the first ever bicycle (before the addition of pedals) to the tale of the frustrated wife of an inventor who took it upon herself to finish what her husband started and test the first ever motor car!

At the heart of the book is the theme of perseverance, learning from your mistakes and taking courage to try again. In many of the stories, females play a huge role and give the book a feeling of female empowerment too.

The book is filled with fascinating captions and sidebars and visually it is a real treat to look at as well. My boys found it fascinating and were engrossed for hours reading it! They particularly loved the timeline and diagrams inside. The book is beautifully illustrated in a bright, bold, cartoonish style which helps break up the stories making them easily accessible and attractive too. Ford adds a sense of humor to his illustrations that is equally matched by Kirkfield making each story a joy to read.

This book is essential for any school library but it is also a fascinating and inspiring book for any home too. I can’t recommend it enough!

[Helen Ishmurzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Here to There transports the reader on a captivating journey through the history of some of the most important modes of transportation, from the Montgolfier brothers’ invention of the hot air balloon to Raye Montague’s computer-generated ship design.

We not only learn about the inventions themselves, but are also treated to a fascinating insight into the lives of the inventors, discovering along the way the challenges they faced and how they overcome these to ultimately achieve success.

Gilbert Ford’s vibrant illustrations help the reader to visualise in detail how the inventions and prototypes looked, while beautifully bringing to life the historical periods in which the inventors lived.

While the book is targeted at children aged 8 to 12 years, I personally have no doubt my 5-year-old will love it too (I’ve already added it to his birthday list!), and it additionally has great value for older readers and even adults – I certainly learned a lot from it myself!

Educators will find many opportunities to utilise From Here to There when teaching science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) concepts, and when impressing on kids the value of determination and perseverance, as shown in the many attempts of the inventors to excel in their fields.

Comprehensive back matter includes links to organisations for young inventors, a bibliography and a timeline of advances in vehicle technology.