What's the Big Idea?: Inventions that Changed Life on Earth Forever - Softcover

HELAINE BECKER has published in many children's genres, from humorous verse to educational textbooks. Her knack for blending humor and education into a satisfying package that both delights and informs is recognized by critics and booksellers across North America. Her award-winning books include Boredom Blasters, Secret Agent Y.O.U., and Science on the Loose. Originally from New York, she lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.

STEVE ATTOE’s illustrations appear regularly in OWL and chickaDEE magazines. He is also a well-known cartoonist - his collections were included in The 100 Best Comics of the Century. When not in his home studio creating funny characters and cartoons for children, he can be found speeding around his hometown of Calgary on his bicycle.

Whether children are looking for specific information or browsing, they will find a miscellany of knowledge and fascinating facts presented in a chatty tone with readable dialogues, catchy sidebars and ‘groaner’ puns...a valuable addition for all libraries. (Canadian Children’s Book News)

...[a] lively, colorful book...I can imagine pairs of students really enjoying reading and discussing this book together. (Canadian Teacher)

Who knows — with inspiration from this book, students may be motivated to become the creators of the next big idea and line themselves up with the likes of Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison or Steve Jobs. (Professionally Speaking)

...the eye-popping cover, creative design, and engaging content should make it a popular choice for young would-be inventors. (Quill & Quire)

The illustrations are humorous and informative and they keep the reader entertained while they learn...What’s the Big Idea? is a great resource for the classroom and at home - for the inquisitive child, teacher and parent! (Resource Links)

Written in a breezy style with lots of clever illustrations, sidebars, spinoff segments and mini-fact sections and mini-fact sections, this is a book which will repay the young reader a lot of browsing and probably send him or her off to check out some of the Internet references mentioned. (The Whitehorse Star)