Bookmarks: Picture Books on Inventors

I love the recent trend that has produced many lovely picture-book biographies. These books aren't just for young children. I enjoyed the introduction to famous, and not so famous, inventors.

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So You Want to be an Inventor?

by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small

Short blurbs on many inventors and fun illustrations make this book a winner for any child who dreams of inventing the next spectacular widget.

From the Good Mountain: How Gutenberg Changed the World

by James Rumford

Rumford uses lovely water-color paintings to describe what Gutenberg needed to print his first books. Also check out Johann Gutenberg and the Amazing Printing Press by Bruce Koscienlniak which traces the history of printing throughout history.

Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin

by Gene Barretta

How could one man give us everything from a postal service, bifocals, and world-changing documents? This book shares the practical brilliance of Ben Franklin which impacts our world today. Look for other books by this author such as Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives.

The Hole Story of the Doughnut

by Pat Miller, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch

Hanson Gregory was only a teenager when he invented the breakfast treat that millions enjoy. Learn of his brave deeds and colorful history along with the true story of the doughnut.

John Deere's Powerful Idea: The Perfect Plow 
by Terry Collins, illustrated by Carl Pearce

You might recognize the famous green tractors, but do you know how the John Deere Company began? Bright comic-style illustrations share the story of frustrated farmers and a struggling blacksmith. You may also like John Deere, That's Who! By Tracy Nelson Maurer, illustrated by Tim Zeltner.

Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor

written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

She may have been young, and she may have been a girl, but that didn't keep Mattie from loving tools and building things. Mattie's invention of the paper bag is still used today. Soft illustrations show Mattie's life and sketchbook.

First to Fly: How Wilbur and Orville Wright Invented the Airplane

by Peter Busby, illustrated by David Craig

From a toy helicopter to bicycles to gliders, and, finally, the first powered airplane – these brothers’ hard work paid off. Richly detailed paintings and period photographs share their story in fascinating detail.

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

by Jen Bryant, illustrations by Boris Kulikow

Most boys would have given up, but young Louis was determined to read even though he was blind. Braille was still a child when he invented the Braille alphabet. The child-friendly illustrations help tell the story of this young inventor.

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

by Catherine Thimmesh, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Windshield wipers and chocolate chip cookies are only two of the products you’ll learn about in this book with its short chapters. Learn about women who turned a good idea into a useful invention.

Whoosh!Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

by Chris Barton, illustrated by Don Tate

Lonnie loved to build action toys. Even when he became a real rocket scientist, he didn't stop inventing. Bright illustrations introduce children to a modern inventor and scientist.

 

I only shared a few of the picture-book biographies on this list. I hope to share more soon. You can also check out my book list page.