12/03/2021
K-Gr 3—Did you know that the invention of the bicycle may have occurred after the devastating 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora? Or that the carbonization used in early light bulbs is not so different from the black coating on burnt toast? This series explores some of history's greatest and most ubiquitous inventions. Bicycle looks at different momentous bicycle advances from around the globe, such as the French addition of pedals to the original 'running machine', or the Irish adoption of air-filled tires so it wasn't such a bumpy ride. In contrast, Lightbulb has a much more intimate scope, focusing on a single person and place, specifically Thomas Edison and his work at Menlo Park. The illustrations in both are a real highlight, colorful and engaging, setting the historical scenes nicely while providing clear and engaging diagrams. There is a palpable sense of good cheer in the depictions of Edison's lab staff celebrating with high fives or the little dog enjoying his ride in the basket of China's famous Flying Pigeon bicycle. Back matter provides some extra fun facts (Amsterdam has more bikes than people!) and both books close with a message about how improved energy efficiency benefits the body and environment. VERDICT Perfect for STEM lessons and future innovators, this fun and informative series has a lot to offer.—Alyssa Annico
2021-06-16
A concise, inclusive history of the evolution of the bicycle.
The bicycle, the story begins, may have been invented because of a volcanic eruption in Indonesia in 1815. The ash that spewed into the atmosphere changed the weather worldwide; crops didn’t grow, and it cost so much to feed their horses that people gave them up—and the only other option for getting around was walking. In Germany, Karl Drais invented a two-wheeled “running machine” that was pushed along by its rider’s feet (no pedals), and from this idea, the germ of today’s bicycle was formed. It took several other innovations, developed in different countries, to perfect a bicycle that was easy to ride and safe. The multicountry perspective (Germany, England, France, America, Ireland, and China are all mentioned) is a refreshing angle; also welcome is the information on ways bicycles were and are used, their efficiency, and the etymology of bicycle names and terms. The illustrations are full color, mostly double-page spreads, and are notable for their well-thought-out design placement that allows one picture to effectively illustrate the different texts on the verso and recto pages. Racially diverse people, a person in a wheelchair (mounted on a bike pedaled by another person), a person using an arm-pedaled bike, and a recumbent cyclist are included in the illustrations. Simultaneously publishing in the Eureka! The Biography of an Idea series are companion titles Camera, by Laura Driscoll and illustrated by Hector Borlasca; Glasses, by Houran and illustrated by John Joven; and Light Bulb, by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
This engaging history of the bicycle is sure to pique young riders’ interest while it enriches their knowledge. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
