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Mistakes That Worked

40 Familiar Inventions & How They Came to Be

Author Charlotte Foltz Jones

Illustrated by John O'Brien

Paperback

$12.99 US

RH Childrens Books | Delacorte Press

8"W x 8"H x 0.26"D | 8 oz | 24 per carton

On sale May 01, 1994 | 96 Pages | 9780385320436

Age 8-12 years

Reading Level: Lexile 1040L | Fountas & Pinnell T

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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!

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.

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

“A splendid book that is as informative as it is entertaining . . . a gem.” —Booklist, Starred Review

Charlotte Foltz Jones is the author of Mistakes That Worked, Accidents May Happen, Eat Your Words, and Fingerprints and Talking Bones. View titles by Charlotte Foltz Jones

John O’Brien has held writing fellowships at the University of Iowa and Stanford University, and he was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. His work has appeared in Hudson Review, Massachusetts Review, TriQuarterly, Country Journal, Harrowsmith, and Gray’s Sporting Journal. He lives with his wife, Becky, in Franklin, West Virginia. View titles by John O'Brien

WINNER | 1996
Kentucky Bluegrass Master List

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"A splendid book that is as informative as it is entertaining. Jones has great fun with facts, dredging up plenty in a lively, anecdotal account that recollects the oddball origins of a variety of foods, clothing, toys, and devices....A gem of a book."--Booklist, starred review

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