Mistakes That Worked: The World's Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be - Hardcover

Mistakes That Worked: The World's Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be

The greatest discoveries are made outside the classroom. Learn all about mistakes that changed the world with this collection of the strange stories behind everyday inventions. It's no accident that you'll love this book.

Discover the Surprising Origins of Everyday Inventions

This award-winning children's book reveals the fascinating true stories behind inventions we use every day. Written by Charlotte Foltz Jones and illustrated by frequent New Yorker contributor John O'Brien, this hardcover edition combines educational content with entertaining storytelling that keeps young readers engaged.

Real Stories of Accidental Discoveries

SANDWICHES came about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free. POTATO CHIPS were first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren't thin enough. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, and X-rays have fascinating stories behind them too. Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious cartoons and weird, amazing facts, make up this fun-filled book about everyday items that had surprisingly haphazard beginnings.

Perfect for Young Learners and STEM Education

Designed for children ages 4-12, this book makes learning about science, technology, and innovation engaging through real-world examples. Each story demonstrates how mistakes and accidents led to world-changing discoveries, teaching kids that failure can lead to success. The combination of factual content and humorous illustrations makes complex concepts accessible to middle-grade readers.

Award-Winning Author and Illustrator

Charlotte Foltz Jones was an author of award-winning nonfiction books for children, as well as numerous magazine articles. John O'Brien is a frequent contributor to the New Yorker magazine and has illustrated many popular children's books. Together, they've created a book that Booklist calls "A splendid book that is as informative as it is entertaining... a gem" with a starred review.

And don't miss Eat Your Words about the fascinating language of food.

What Makes This Book Special

• True stories of accidental inventions that shaped our world
• Hilarious cartoons and illustrations throughout
• Weird and amazing facts about everyday items
• Educational content that supports STEM learning
• Engaging storytelling for ages 4-12
• Hardcover format perfect for classroom libraries and gifts