The Inventor’s Secret
What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford
by Suzanne Slade
illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Charlesbridge, 2015. 48 pages.
This is an introductory picture book about the work of two great inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The overarching message of the book applies to any aspiring inventor: It’s what Thomas Edison told Henry Ford the night they first met: “Keep at it!”
The Author states in a note at the end (along with plenty of interesting backmatter):
For nonfiction authors a new story often begins with a fascinating, little-known fact that sparks a magical “goose-bump” moment. When I learned Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors of all time, pounded his fist on the table and shouted, “Keep at it!” to Henry Ford, that was one of those moments for me.
She weaves their stories together, with this meeting the central event. She used patent records to establish a timeline, and we get a taste, especially for Henry Ford, how much of his success was based on multiple attempts.
This is an entertaining story with cheery (but informative) and cartoon-like illustrations. But it also presents an encouraging message for future inventions. Follow your dreams. And don’t worry if your first several efforts don’t achieve success.
Keep at it!
suzanneslade.com
jbreinhardt.com
charlesbridge.com
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Source: This review is based on a library book from Fairfax County Public Library.
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