Mistakes that Worked (Paperback)

~ Charlotte Jones (Author), John Obrien (Illustrator) "Many cooks admit their favorite recipes were the result of accidents..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, New York, Guinness Book of World Records (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Droll cartoons illustrate the stories behind the invention of such everyday items as Silly Putty, trouser cuffs, popsicles and penicillin. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- For those readers who feel as though they've yet to accomplish anything in life, these discoveries will come as a great relief. None of the inventions described in these pages were planned; in fact, some of the inventors had no idea they'd stumbled on something useful until years later, when their works became popular. Jones covers both patented inventions (Silly Putty, Popsicles, Coca Cola) and generic ones (bricks, donut holes, cheese). She also throws in some place names whose monikers were coined accidentally. The loony watercolor sketches and all the extras here--fun facts, recipes, and anecdotes--are perfect for browsing. This book covers material similar to that in Wulffson's The Invention of Ordinary Things (Lothrop, 1981) and Steven Caney's Invention Book (Workman, 1985), but both are without the specific slant of "mistaken discovery." The only detriment to this otherwise versatile book is the cartoon stereotypes of the Eskimo, Native American, and Chinese man. --Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers (May 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385320434
• ISBN-13: 978-0385320436
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,253 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't make anything if you can't make mistakes, June 8, 2002

By	K. Corn "reviewer" (Indianapolis,, IN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

My mom always told me that you can't make anything if you can't make mistakes. This book proves the point aptly, highlighting several mistakes that turned into common and often-loved inventions (chocolate chip cookies, Coca-Cola, the Slinky). This is an enlightening book to share with kids, encouraging them to realize that taking risks, learning to improvise and experiment is often the best way to learn, even if you don't end up creating something new and wonderful.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a reader in Michigan, September 28, 2000

By A Customer

The stories in this book are amazing. Many everyday things were really discovered accidentally. Our family, from a 75 year old grandmother to an eight year old, learned many new things. Our favorite "mistakes" are tea, the Slinky and the ice cream cone. A great addition to your home library.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, July 7, 2000

By	Kat (Somewheres) - See all my reviews

This book is great! It deserves more than 5 stars. I have read this book more than once, and I plan to read it again. The stories behind the inventions are amazing! I learned so many new facts. Did you know that Levi's jeans were invented by accident? If you want to learn more, read this amazing book!