Edison's Fantastic Phonograph [Paperback]

Diana Kimpton (Author), M. P. Robertson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Imagine life without CDs and videos, or television and radio. Over 100 years ago, none of these things existed, and entertainment had to be homemade. Then a scientist invented a machine that changed the world. In this fascinating picture book, Edison's young daughter Dot tells the story of her famous father and how he recorded sound for the first time. M.P. Robertson's dramatic illustrations perfectly capture the period, while Diana Kimpton's lively text makes this an irresistible and informative trip to the past. Included is a brief biography of Edison.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3–This picture book shows how Thomas Edison's young daughter encouraged him in the development of the phonograph. Kimpton sets the scene by explaining that there was no radio or television 100 years ago. After showing Dot (who was nicknamed for a Morse code symbol) one of his contraptions, the inventor promises her an exciting surprise and works feverishly until he accomplishes his goal. At the end, he explains to her that people will now be able to listen to music whenever they want to, and the final illustration depicts a 21st-century family sitting on a blanket, with the mother using a CD player with headphones. A one-page biography of Edison is appended, but there is no specific information about the events described in the narrative. The large, realistic paintings are of average quality. On some pages, sketches done in brown ink suggest scientific drawings. The text falls flat, though, and there is no real excitement about the invention. Readers would be better served by a straightforward biography that would provide information without leaving them to wonder what is true and what has been supposed by the author.–Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
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Review

"'Diana Kempton has cleverly woven the science together with the storyline...this book will appeal to children who may not be readily interested in science' School Librarian" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (March 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845072626
• ISBN-13: 978-1845072629
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,653,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Diana Kimpton has written a number of televisions scripts and successful books for children, including Usborne's Pony-Mad Princess series, which has sold over 900,000 copies in English worldwide and been sold in 12 languages. She runs the website www.wordpool.co.uk which promotes children's books and reading. Author location: Isle of Wight.