What's the Big Idea?
Inventions That Changed Life on Earth Forever
Owlkids Books Inc.
Available: 10/01/09
9.3 x 11.09 · 96 pages
9781897349618
CDN $19.95
· pb
Canadian Title
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With the trademark humour of award-winning author Helaine Becker and the wit and skill of illustrator Steve Attoe comes a unique history of human innovation. Using "The Big Six," Becker shows how life-changing, earth-shattering inventions fit into human beings' desire to fill six basic needs: food, security, shelter, companionship, good health, and the need to make tasks easier.
What's the Big Idea? takes an in-depth look at 32 of our most important inventions and tells the story of how one invention led to the next. From the wheel to the spinning wheel, the alphabet to the printing press, steel to steam engines, and parachutes to...diapers?! For each invention, a "Big Idea" sidebar answers the question "why this invention and why now?" Plus, inventor biographies grant glimpses into the lives of geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Bill Gates, and a host of others. What's next in the exciting world of innovation? And where will it ever end?
Ages 8-12.
Helaine Becker's knack for blending humour and information into a satisfying package that both delights and informs is recognized by critics and booksellers across North America. She has published in children's genres all the way from humorous verse to educational textbooks and won many awards for her work including a Gold award from NAPPA for Science on the Loose. Helaine is also the author of Boredom Blasters, Secret Agent Y.O.U., and The Insecto-files. She lives in Toronto.
