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Barry Wittenstein

Chris Hsu

The Boo-Boos That Changed the World: A True Story About an Accidental Invention (Really!) Hardcover – Illustrated, February 13, 2018

by Barry Wittenstein (Author), Chris Hsu (Illustrator)

127 ratings

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Did you know Band-Aids were invented by accident?! And that they weren't mass-produced until the Boy Scouts gave their seal of approval?

1920s cotton buyer Earle Dickson worked for Johnson & Johnson and had a klutzy wife who often cut herself. The son of a doctor, Earle set out to create an easier way for her to bandage her injuries. Band-Aids were born, but Earle's bosses at the pharmaceutical giant weren't convinced, and it wasn't until the Boy Scouts of America tested Earle's prototype that this ubiquitous household staple was made available to the public. Soon Band-Aids were selling like hotcakes, and the rest is boo-boo history.

"Appealingly designed and illustrated, an engaging, fun story" — Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

Reading age

4 - 8 years
Print length

32 pages
Language

English
Grade level

Preschool - 3
Lexile measure

640L
Dimensions

8.94 x 0.42 x 11.31 inches
Publisher

Charlesbridge
Publication date

February 13, 2018
ISBN-10

1580897452
ISBN-13

978-1580897457
See all details

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2–4—"Necessity is the mother of invention." Never is that so true than when it involves actual bodily injury! This book tells the fascinating story of the invention of the Band-Aid in the early twentieth century. Josephine Dickson was particularly accident-prone in the kitchen, inspiring her husband Earle to come up with a creative solution. The narrative moves smoothly through the Dickson's household solution to the local impact (give Band-Aids to the Boy Scouts) to the global impact (Band-Aids were given to soldiers in World War II and are now used worldwide). Instructive back matter includes additional factual information about Earle Dickson, Band-Aids, and other major medical breakthroughs. The book tells the story with a delightful sense of humor. A running "The End" gag will make kids chuckle throughout as they will think they've reached the end of the story only to find out that it is not over yet. The splendid illustrations include historical details that evoke a distinct sense of time and place. VERDICT A funny and illuminating nonfiction entry that will hold particular appeal for aspiring inventors and future medical professionals.—Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

Review

The Band-Aid is one of those remarkably useful things that just about everyone has used, but has anyone wondered who invented them and how they become a staple in medicine cabinets all over?In an engaging, humorous narrative, Wittenstein reveals the true story behind the invention. In the 1920s, Earle Dickson worked as a cotton buyer for Johnson & Johnson. His wife, Josephine, was an accident-prone klutz who frequently injured herself in the kitchen, slicing, grating, and burning herself. The son of a doctor, Earle worked on finding easier ways to bandage Josephine's injuries than wrapping them in rags. He took adhesive tape, then applied sterile gauze and crinoline, and the first Band-Aid was born. Impressed with Earle's prototype, his boss agreed to produce and sell the bandage, but it took a while to catch on. Once Band-Aids were mass-produced, the company gave them away to Boy Scouts and soldiers serving in World War II, and then they caught on with the American public and the rest of world. Wittenstein notes that some of the dialogue and interactions between Earle and Josephine are imagined. Hsu's illustrations, done in mixed media and Photoshop, have a whimsical, retro look that nicely complements the lighthearted tone of the text. Earle and Josephine are white, but people of color appear in backgrounds. Appealingly designed and illustrated, an engaging, fun story about the inspiration and inventor of that essential staple of home first aid.
— Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” Never is that so true than when it involves actual bodily injury! This book tells the fascinating story of the invention of the Band-Aid in the early twentieth century. Josephine Dickson was particularly accident-prone in the kitchen, inspiring her husband Earle to come up with a creative solution. The narrative moves smoothly through the Dickson’s household solution to the local impact (give Band-Aids to the Boy Scouts) to the global impact (Band-Aids were given to soldiers in World War II and are now used worldwide). Instructive back matter includes additional factual information about Earle Dickson, Band-Aids, and other major medical breakthroughs. The book tells the story with a delightful sense of humor. A running “The End” gag will make kids chuckle throughout as they will think they’ve reached the end of the story only to find out that it is not over yet. The splendid illustrations include historical details that evoke a distinct sense of time and place. VERDICT A funny and illuminating nonfiction entry that will hold particular appeal for aspiring inventors and future medical professionals.—School Library Journal

Band-Aids are ubiquitous, so it's hard to imagine a time without them. But 100 years ago, one worried newlywed grappled with how to help his accident-prone bride bandage all the nicks and cuts she got from working around the house. While the idea seems obvious today, the first iterations of the product were not an instant success. Hard work and patience were crucial. Wittenstein's skillful storytelling makes this a fun and compelling read, and Hsu's illustrations capture the look and feel of the era. With back matter that fleshes out the story and lists other medical inventions of the time, this book is appropriate for a variety of ages.
—Young Children

About the Author

Barry Wittenstein has worked at CBS Records, CBS News, and was a web editor and writer for Major League Baseball. He is now an elementary-school substitute teacher and children's author. He is the author of Waiting for Pumpsie.

Chris Hsu is a classically-trained and versatile artist who has worked in greeting card illustration, advertising, and animation. He is currently a background artist on the animated FX spy comedy Archer.The Boo-Boos That Changed the World is Chris's first picture book.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Once upon a time, in 1917 actually, a cotton buyer named Earle Dickson married his beloved, Josephine, and they lived happily ever after. THE END.

Actually, that was just the beginning.
The newlyweds expected to live a quiet life in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Instead, Earle and Josephine ended up changing the world, one boo-boo at a time.

You see, Josephine was accident prone. She often bumped and bruised herself while working around the house. But that was nothing compared to how often she injured herself in the kitchen.

OUCH! When she sliced and diced an onion, she sometimes sliced her finger, too.

BOO-HOO! When she grated cheese, she sometimes grated her knuckle.

ARGH! When she lifted a hot pot off the stove, she sometimes burned her hand.

After Josephine winced in pain, she quickly grabbed a rag to stop the bleeding.
But with bulky towels between her fingers, it was even harder for Josephine to hold a knife. She became even more accident prone. Impossible, you say? It’s true. Josephine’s klutziness had become a bloody problem!

Every night when Earle came home from work, he looked forward to talking with Josephine and eating the wonderful meal she had prepared. That was until he saw his beloved’s hands. Yikes! Her cuts might get infected. He had to help his new bride.

Earle’s father was a doctor, so Earle knew a little bit about boo-boos and bandages. And luckily he worked for a company that manufactured hospital supplies. Earle knew there had to be a solution. But what was it?

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Charlesbridge; Illustrated edition (February 13, 2018)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1580897452
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1580897457
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 640L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.94 x 0.42 x 11.31 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #192,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #32 in Children's First Aid Books
- #112 in Children's Inventors Books (Books)
- #164 in Children's Money & Saving Reference (Books)

Customer Reviews:
127 ratings

About the author

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Barry Wittenstein

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I write picture books. Some are narrative nonfiction, some are historical fiction, some are just fiction.

Customer reviews

5 star		88%
4 star		6%
3 star		3%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star		3%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Judith J. Bellando

Outstanding!

Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2020

Verified Purchase

I borrowed this book from the library and read it to my granddaughter via Skype. Months later she wanted to hear it again, so I borrowed it again and also bought a copy for her as a gift. She loved it, and shared it with her school friends. The author tells a great story about the invention of Band Aids. (What child doesn't love Band Aids?)

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

NanaBecky

Cute book!

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2020

Verified Purchase

This is a cute book that reminds us how most inventions come from necessity.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

nanny

Short can do story about something we all use, Band-Aids

Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2018

Verified Purchase

7 year old grandson loves this book! He found it interesting and likes how the idea for Band-Aids came about. Shows you can do anything when you put your mind to it and don't stop trying.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Judy

Informational text for the younger set!

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2018

Verified Purchase

We read this book at least once a week. Well written and informational for an item all kids can relate to!

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

Zach Rondot

Great for upper el

Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021

Verified Purchase

I read this to my students and it’s a great story about innovation and perseverance.

Helpful

Anna Martin

Clever, educational and so pretty (really!)

Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2018

Verified Purchase

A cleverly written and beautifully illustrated book. It’s a history lesson told with wit and charm that captures the attention of kids and adults alike. The pictures are as heartwarming as the story. My 7 and 4 year olds loved it, and so did I. It’s a great add to our home library!

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Bobbo113

Damaged Dust cover

Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2021

Verified Purchase

Dust cover was ripped in the back...should have been seen before shipped.

Helpful

CB

Children will enjoy this amazing story.