(2) K-3 Illustrated by James Ransome. Perhaps no instrument is more associated with jazz than the saxophone. And no city more tied to both than New Orleans. But the history of the saxophone (originally saxophon), engagingly told here, begins across the Atlantic in the small Belgian town of Dinant, where the musician and inventor Adolphe Sax (1814-1894) was born into an instrument-making family. Sax's life provides the frame for the early parts of the story as he travels to France to bolster the instrument's popularity. After catching on in military bands across Europe, the saxophone traveled with the French army to Mexico and eventually made its way to New Orleans just in time for the dawn of the invention of jazz. Ransome's illustrations shine with careful detail, effortlessly cuing readers into changes in time and locale. One particularly memorable spread shows a black cat and three long, ominous human shadows containing text describing Sax's death with the wordless page opposite featuring a young Black child playing the saxophone--and one can almost hear the funeral dirge coming out of its bell.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(1) K-3 Books for a Better Earth series. Illustrated by Ziyue Chen. A fascinating history of straws morphs into a call to action. The first two-thirds of Romito's friendly text traces drinking tubes from the ancient Sumerian innovation of drinking beverages using a hollow reed, through many changes in materials and shapes over time, up to the development of the mass-produced plastic drinking straw we know today. Chen's crisp digital illustrations rely on vignettes to showcase the variety of materials tried, the beverages they were designed for, and the people who used them. The straws themselves are front-and-center in the illustrations, giving readers an insightful glimpse into how something familiar has changed over centuries. After the introduction of the plastic straw in the 1960s, Romito moves the focus to the effect of single-use plastics on the environment and a gradual shift in public opinion, with straightforward text identifying alternative materials (and their limitations for medical usage) and emphasizing actions young people can take. An author's note provides more context; a list of sources offers opportunities "to learn more about plastics and their effect on the environment."

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(1) YA Illustrated by Nick Bertozzi. Sheinkin's work of award-winning narrative nonfiction (Bomb, rev. 11/12) is here sharpened by the author's own graphic adaptation--and portrayed through Bertozzi's skillful cartooning--amplifying the drama, intrigue, and brutality irrevocably linked with the dawn of the atomic age. In five chapters, roughly spanning the years of WWII, Sheinkin cogently interconnects a massive cast of world leaders, scientists, military personnel, spies, and civilians across a mostly chronological account of the Manhattan Project. Unique for this new edition, Sheinkin chose the post-war interrogation of Harry Gold (a Philadelphia factory worker who spied for the Soviets) as the narrative's through line. This clever bit of storytelling permits the omniscient narrator to seamlessly move between key events as they are discussed during Gold's hardboiled questioning. The Golden Age-style illustrations generally adhere to an efficient three-tier, nine-panel page layout yet regularly shift in size, shape, and number to underscore significant moments and ideas. Notably, a stark white page is used to depict the detonation of the Little Boy atomic bomb over Hiroshima. Back matter includes an author's note describing Sheinkin's adaptation process, while an informative epilogue ends on a slightly more ominous note than the original: "How does this story end? We don't know--because it's still going on. And, like it or not, you're in it."

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(2) 1-3 How can a single egg lead to a whole town in chaos? Stein's offbeat early graphic novel full of slapstick comedy explores just how much trouble an egg can cause. An uptight food inspector, a chef with something to hide, a fish, and an inventor and her friend (a human-sized chicken named Beaky) are the main players in this silly, pun-filled romp. When the fried egg falls out of the inspector's sandwich, it sets off an improbable series of events that ends with the chicken (in disguise) protecting her only egg from the inspector, who has lost all his clothes and is wearing a barrel. The plot twists and turns through a series of shenanigans, including regular commercial breaks for important messages from our sponsors about the inventor's latest inventions. Stein's recognizable illustration style (e.g., the Interrupting Chicken books) of sketchy pen drawings with watercolor adds even more humor to the goofy goings-on, giving the story the feel and comic beats of a Buster Keaton movie. Readers will find new gags to giggle at with repeat viewings and will look forward to future comic encounters with Beaky and friends.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(1) K-3 Hale (Water Land, rev. 7/18) introduces readers to biomimicry through fifteen examples found in everyday life as well as state-of-the-art design and engineering. Each left-hand page features a tanka poem paired with a relief print illustration of a plant or animal; on the right, a captioned photograph of a human-made creation showcases the biomimicry involved. So "lotus leaf spreads wide / waxy surface repels rain" faces a photo of a child with an umbrella; and "shy armadillo / overlapping scales rolled tight / a snug little ball / folds up so efficiently" precedes a picture of a fold-up, space-saving car. Hale's accessible tanka poems pack a lot into five lines. The softness of her detailed relief prints effectively contrasts with photographs highlighting human invention. Extensive back matter includes additional information for each example, a detailed explanation of the tanka format, and numerous source notes.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Zachariah OHora. To today's young readers, a video game played on a television screen probably seems like something that's existed forever, but this picture-book biography introduces readers to the individual to whom all gamers owe a debt of gratitude. After fleeing Nazi Germany as a teenager, Rudolf Baer changed his first name to Ralph and used his talent for electronics to work as a radio operator during World War II. After the war, Baer studied early television technology and became a military engineer. He first conceived of his TV video game idea in 1966 and spent the next five years experimenting, testing, and prototyping his invention. Hannigan's (A Lady Has the Floor) text conveys Baer's determination and relentlessness as he works through multiple iterations of his video game box. OHora's recognizable acrylic paint illustrations (Goodnight Veggies, rev. 3/20; Dogs at Work, rev. 9/21), using a limited palette of yellow and blue contrasting with subdued greens, reds, and pinks, help set the story in its historical context. Back matter includes photos, four pages of questions and answers about Baer and his work, a timeline, and a list of resources.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) YA Illustrated by Jerel Dye. Color by Alison Acton. This thoroughly researched comic-format account of the world's most well-known physicist is described by its author as "not so much a biography of Albert Einstein as it is a story about him." Storytelling liberties such as a nonlinear narrative, invented dialogue, fourth wall–breaking asides (identified by square word balloons), and scenes of a teenage Einstein visualizing his quintessential white-haired self as running along a beam of light are engagingly theatrical. Complicated scientific concepts, including relativity and space time, are imaginatively portrayed at length through a blend of words and pictures. Einstein's multifaceted personal life is equally examined--including his involvement in geopolitics, experiences of antisemitic attacks, and numerous affairs. Relationships and rivalries with a large cast of world-renowned scientists, from Planck to Curie to Bohr, serve as a constant through line, underscoring the collaborative and competitive nature of early-twentieth-century scientific discourse. Strong cartooning across consistent three-tier page layouts is clear and effective. The hand-inked illustrations are rendered in an undulating black line and muted color palette, punctuated by ethereal blue thought bubbles and visual motifs representing Einstein’s inner life. This nuanced portrayal of the individual behind many of the last century's greatest discoveries is complex and confounding, much like the man himself. Back matter includes a timeline and whimsical coda regarding Einstein's death.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(3) 4-6 Orca Footprints series. "Nature runs on sunlight and water. Humans...use fossil fuels and toxic chemicals." Nature's adaptations have a lot to teach us about sustainable design and environmental stewardship. The authors discuss technological advances that have benefited humans (e.g., synthetic fibers, refrigerators, cell phones) and how these innovations are threatening the health of the planet. The approachable text, supported by lots of captioned photos, spotlights some of nature's more remarkable innovations and some engineering feats inspired by nature. A final chapter focuses on "Reducing Our Footprint." A reading list, websites, and links to relevant TED Talks are appended, as are a glossary and index.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Eureka!: The Biography of an Idea series. Illustrated by Aaron Cushley. This concise history starts with German Karl Drais's 1817 invention of a wooden two-wheeled "running machine." It wasn't until 1865 that "someone in France" added pedals to the front wheel. Pedal placement improved over time; original wooden wheels evolved into wood and iron, then solid rubber, and finally rubber tubes in 1888 (developed by Irishman John Dunlop). Houran follows further design refinements and innovations, culminating with "a bicycle for just about everybody" today. The lively illustrations keep pace with the accessible and engaging text. A few more "Bike Facts" are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Masterminds series. Born into slavery, Carver went on to make lasting contributions to agricultural science and education; his research and crop innovations helped African American farmers survive in the early 1900s. This straightforward biography covers Carver's work and his legacy. The uncluttered page design features well-captioned color and archival black-and-white photographs that extend the information in the accessible text. A table of contents, glossary, and index give readers practice with nonfiction conventions. A reading list, websites, and a simple timeline are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gilbert Ford. This curated collection of transportation advancements begins in eighteenth-century France with the invention of the hot-air balloon. Kirkfield steers readers through a chronological tour of eight more innovations such as the steam locomotive, liquid-fuel-propelled rocket, and folding wheelchair. A chapter about Raye Montague, a Black female engineer who pioneered computer-generated ship design, is notable among the mostly white men featured. The narrative emphasizes inventors' perseverance and ability to learn from mistakes. Copious cartoon illustrations help set the time period, add humor, and break up the narrative. A timeline from 8000 BCE to 2012 CE runs from the front endpapers to the back. A list of related websites, a bibliography, and an index are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Stories of inventions usually have a single starting point. But when it comes to the origin of the flying disc, more than one individual has a claim. Muirhead's text provides a few possible answers but focuses on the one individual with enough entrepreneurial gumption to create the product seen flying through the air at beaches and parks today. In 1937, California high schooler Fred Morrison happened to be tossing a flat popcorn lid with his girlfriend. Something about the way the lid flew grabbed hold of Morrison, and soon the lid was replaced by a better-flying cake pan. Muirhead describes the many iterations of ­Morrison's invention, from five-cent cake pans sold at the beach for a quarter to specially designed and molded plastics that led to the durable Frisbee we know today. Gustavson's gouache illustrations (a bit static-looking for capturing the excitement of a disc's gliding flight) allude to Norman Rockwell's Americana style while effectively situating readers in pre– and post–World War II settings. An author's note and sources are appended. Fans of Barton and Tate's Whoosh! (rev. 7/16) and McCarthy's Earmuffs for ­Everyone! will flip for this unique ­invention tale.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Boston. Each of eight inventions is profiled over two double-page spreads; Boston's colorful, stylized illustrations take center stage, homing in on details in the brief text. Nordstrom's focus is on the inventions rather than the inventors, and coverage includes only select facts about the individuals and their work. Back matter includes a list of related jobs; small photos of, and occupations for, each of the ten mimic makers mentioned; more about biomimicry; and suggestions for becoming a mimic maker. A glossary, selected bibliography, reading list, and websites are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Very Important People series. Illustrated by Daniel Duncan. In seven chapters geared toward third and fourth graders, Patrick discusses engineer and inventor Latimer's life and work. Born in 1848 to fugitive slaves in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Latimer's remarkable career included work for Alexander Graham Bell and (indirectly) Thomas Edison. Inviting illustrations in blue and gray tones help break up the readable text. Frequent sidebars elaborate on topics in the main text (patents, the Industrial Revolution) and introduce Lewis's contemporaries (Booker T. Washington; "Other Nineteenth-Century Inventors"). The book ends with a list of Lewis's patents, a timeline, brief bios of four modern-day African American inventors, and an extensive bibliography.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Twelve double-page spreads feature a striking animal photo on the left-hand page and, on the right, an up-close photo of a robot designed to move like the featured animal. The verso's two lines of text focus on the creature's movements (e.g., "HOVER like a hummingbird, / FLYING overhead"); text on the recto offers a bit more detail about the corresponding robot and how its design is helpful to humans ("The Nano Air Vehicle (NAV)...was designed for spy missions in cities"). This is a straightforward and engaging introduction to the topic for early elementary-age readers; those who want to know more will find the final page's discussion of biomimicry and an appended reading list useful. A glossary is also included.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alleanna Harris. At age six, Patricia Bath (1942–2019) declared: "I want to be a doctor!" Though she faced obstacles because of her gender, race, and socioeconomic status, she succeeded, breaking boundaries in many arenas including becoming the first African American female doctor granted a medical patent. Quotes from Dr. Bath appear throughout, and colorful digital illustrations reflect her curiosity and compassion. Reading list, timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. In seventeenth-century Delft, in the Netherlands, Antony van Leeuwenhoek was a cloth merchant. But he became interested in lenses and magnification and went on to create the most advanced microscopes in the world. Alexander's excellent, accessible biography gives upper-elementary chapter-book readers a feel for both the person and the historical context. Mildenberger's cartoony illustrations include intricately rendered details of the people, places, and microbes of Leeuwenhoek's world. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Toy Trailblazers series. Each of these engaging biographies introduces readers to the creator of a popular classic kids' toy or game. The texts are generally positive (and overuse exclamation points) but don't ignore difficulties and hardship, both personal and business-related. Captioned photos, archival reproductions, and "Fun Fact" boxes liven up the pages. The topics have ready-made kid-appeal; readers will glean insight into product development and the challenges of running a business. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Toy Trailblazers titles: Hot Wheels Developer, Lincoln Logs Creator, My Little Pony Pioneer, Nerf Genius, Nintendo Innovator, and The Slime Queen.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by William Goldsmith. This creatively rendered biography-in-comics, with Muir's imagined voice as narrator, is filled with the naturalist's adventures, from his childhood in Scotland to his pioneering conservation work and formation of America's National Parks. Illustrator Goldsmith's Muir is a feisty character, portrayed in loose pencil sketches with one or two accent colors. Vibrant spreads in the chapter transitions and interludes capture the stunning landscapes in which Muir found his purpose. Timeline. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Steven Salerno. Fascinated by the natural world's many colors, Edwin Binney developed eight different colors of nontoxic crayons at his company in June 1903; they were an instant hit and are still made today. Whenever the text mentions a color, the word is set in bold for easy recognition by children. Salerno's dynamic spreads aptly burst with a variety of colors. Occasional helpful sidebars provide further explanations, particularly about the Crayola invention process. Bib.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2019