Reading Level: Grade 1 Interest Level: Grades K – 1
It’s fun to spray around at parties, but did you know spray string was a mistake? Oops! Learn the story of how this accidental invention turned into something silly to play with. Simple text and fun photos prove we can create wonders from whoops-es!
Readers who’ve never heard the iconic Bob Ross-ism “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents” will see that concept come to life in this clever, engaging series. Some of these accidents, like bubble gum, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream cones, have led to the invention of some very tasty treats. Chocolate chip cookies are notable for being the only featured invention created by a woman, Ruth Wakefield. Sticky notes came to be only because their inventor failed first—his super-strong glue came out way too weak. Microwave ovens and spray string strayed from their original intent, too. These books illustrate the lesson all good science teachers strive to impart: Sometimes we learn the most from our failures. Helpful pronunciation asides encourage readers to sound out vocabulary words phonetically before they’re defined in the glossary. VERDICT Worthwhile additions where young STEM-minded readers roam.
