125 cool inventions

These 125 inventions range in scope from solving life's little inconveniences to tackling major ecological and health problems. Some, such as motorized skates that act as tiny automobiles for your feet and a sleeping jacket that includes pillow lapels, seem to come straight out of a sci-fi movie. Others like a solar-powered walking house complete with wood-burning stove and a Swedish skyscraper, which is still in the conceptual planning stages, adorned in giant straws that harness wind power seem able to revolutionize the way that humans live. Special sections highlight innovations in food and nutrition, high-tech gadgets, and the weirdest ideas for inventions throughout history, such as a doughnut-dunking machine. Dynamic photographs confirm the sheer oddity of many of these inventions and contribute to an irresistible and compelling layout that National Geographic Kids is known for. Even the most madcap of these inventions will engage readers and leave them wondering, Why didn't someone think of that sooner? Browsers who love weird stuff will be tickled by the contents of this book.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2015 Booklist

Brief hyperbolic descriptions accompany bright photos of these devices--mostly contemporary, with a nod to historical harebrained ideas. High-tech trumps all, from an inflatable bike helmet to a fold-up car, a river-cleaning boat, and a walking house. Concept-only inventions are noted, but most of these attention-grabbing contraptions, whether food- or transportation-related, are not generally available--yet. Ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.