Weird and Wacky Inventions

A hat that can tip itself. A suitcase that opens and turns into a bathtub. A pair of protective eyeglasses for chickens. These are just three of the hundreds of unusual inventions that people have dreamed up over the last two centuries. Some, such as the mustache guard, made perfect sense when they first appeared. Others were considered just plain silly. Jim Murphy has compiled a collection of the weirdest and wackiest inventions and presented them in a quiz that is challenging and fun.

Simple, clear explanations are provided on how the inventions worked or failed to work. Now for the first time in paperback, and chock-full of nearly one hundred color illustrations of these crazy creations, this is the perfect gift for any child interested in science and invention.

Jim Murphy is a children’s book author who has been awarded the Newbery Honor twice and is the winner of a Sibert Medal. He’s worked in the publishing industry and is now a freelance writer. He lives with his wife and sons in Maplewood, New Jersey.