The Story of Inventions (Narrative Non Fiction): 1 Paperback – 1 Dec. 2012

Well written, has kept my 12 year old enthralled. Who knew that the dishwasher was invented by a woman 140 years ago who got fed up with the servants chipping her plates, and that Alexander Graham Bell wasn't the first to invent the telephone, merely the first to have his patent validated due to a mix up at the patent office? Excellent reading for anyone above the age of 10, but mostly aimed at 10-13 year olds. Having said that, as an adult it has kept me enthralled. Written in an accessible manner with good illustrations. As avid fans of 'The apprentice' and 'Dragon's Den' I thought this would get my children to realise that anything is possible, and to see how various things came about from ordinary situations.

Absolutely brilliant book. I initially bought this book as a present, but my daughter loved it so much, I kept it. And now, even I look forward to reading bits in it! I've learned so much already! The piano-forte? The penny-farthing? How about the vacuum cleaner? This book's got it covered in a fun way. The information is presented in a funny and engaging way. Fun illustrations. Good quality pages. A delight to read from.

It's well written and in a modern style of busy text and illustrations, most of which are very good in depicting how the inventions looked at the time. Personally I would have preferred it in chronological order as it helps kids understand the development of the world, but I appreciate how the authors have gathered the inventions by theme e.g. 'lighting through the ages' - note there is a stripped down chronology in the appendices. The pages might be a bit too 'busy' for some readers (like me!) but children are probably more used to that style and many will love the book.Importantly the book is inspirational for both boys and girls (like others, it's understanding will be significantly aided if shared with a parent, grandparent etc) and thankfully does not include frivolous inventions. It's easy and inspirational to explain to young girls that women didn’t get much of a chance to invent beforehand but now have a great opportunity.

Our son loved this for bedtime reading.Lovely illustrations and wonderfully written pieces describing the history of various inventions.Captures and inspires the imagination.

If my 5 years old asks me to read at least a page from the book every night and he is so curious about what's next that he barely can wait, that means it's a great book, isn't it?! Yes, it is a 5 star book for little creatures who love to know how things work in the World.

Lovely book, kept my son entertained for hours with interesting info.

REA;;Y GOOD BOOK, INFORMATIVE AND FUNNY. CERTAINLY LEARNT A LOT READING THIS. CAN HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

My grandson - 7 was captivated by this.