Tag: invention

Mining for Heart: “Dishwashing Machine Inventor Josephine Cochrane, Original Boss Lady” by Kate Hannigan

March 10, 2023

Thank goodness for dishwashers! Did you ever wonder who created this time-saving invention? Here’s how author Kate Hannigan found a story of more than the invention.  And we have a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to get in the drawing for a copy of JOSEPHINE AND HER DISHWASHING MACHINE.  Dishwashing Machine Inventor Josephine Cochrane, … More Mining for Heart: “Dishwashing Machine Inventor Josephine Cochrane, Original Boss Lady” by Kate Hannigan

Cover Reveal! Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine

October 29, 2021

I was a kid blessed with a father who had a workshop—a section of the basement with work benches, tools, hardware, and LOTS of scraps! I could go down there to create, experiment, and “invent” (crude versions of things that had already been invented). I distinctly remember a stirring device I built with a crank … More Cover Reveal! Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine

Behind the Scenes: “Straight to the (Primary) Source” by Kirsten Larson

March 6, 2020

Each manuscript I’ve tackled has brought new lessons in the research process, so it’s always helpful when I get to learn from someone else’s experience. In this guest post, Kirsten Larson shares some “Behind the Scenes” learning from the research process for her debut picture book, WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: EMMA LILIAN TODD INVENTS AN AIRPLANE.  Straight … More Behind the Scenes: “Straight to the (Primary) Source” by Kirsten Larson

Wood, Wire, Wings

February 28, 2020

Get ready for Women’s History Month! I’ll start you off with this week’s pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday, about a woman I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of!  But first, it’s time to announce some winners in the giveaways…..  Winner of Beautiful Shades of Brown from Nancy Churnin…Patricia Tilton! Winner of Patricia’s Vision … More Wood, Wire, Wings

Patricia’s Vision

February 21, 2020

Another Perfect Picture Book for Black History Month and Women’s History Month! It’s exciting to see so many excellent books for kids about people that have changed our lives and provide outstanding role models. Today, a peek at the the inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Michelle Lord.  MICHELLE LORD HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED A GIVEAWAY!!! … More Patricia’s Vision

Guitar Genius

October 18, 2019

Cue the air guitar. It’s time to rock on Perfect Picture Book Friday with GUITAR GENIUS by Kim Tomsic! It’s music, engineering, and rock and roll paired with perseverance, ingenuity, and pure joy.  Next week, Kim Tomsic gives us a peek “Behind the Scenes” of her writing journey and shares some craft nuggets..  Title: Guitar … More Guitar Genius

Just Like Rube Goldberg

May 10, 2019

Who doesn’t love to tinker? It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s an inventive biography to check out.  Title: Just Like Rube Goldberg, The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Written by: Sarah Aronson Illustrated by: Robert Neubecker Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: STEM/STEAM, perseverance, creativity Opening: Question: How do you become … More Just Like Rube Goldberg

The Secret Subway

May 6, 2016

Go beyond planes, trains, and automobiles! Check out this week’s fascinating “Perfect Picture Book.” Title: The Secret Subway Written by: Shana Corey Illustrated by: Red Nose Studio Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House, 2016, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 (I would say 5+) Lexile: AD810 Themes/topics: history, New York City, subways, invention Opening: Welcome to … More The Secret Subway