Product Description

Meet Samuel Todd

When he wakes up, Samuel Todd looks in the mirror to make sure he's still Samuel Todd. The mirror is just the first of the great inventions that Samuel Todd celebrates every day. From the belt loops and Velcro that make it easier to get and stay dressed, to the training wheels that make four wheels twice as good as three, to one last check with the mirror before bedtime (yes, he's still Samuel Todd), his day is filled with important inventions that make his life better -- and more fun.

Who but two-time Newbery Medalist E.L. Konigsburg could so perfectly capture a child's wonder at everyday miracles like step stools and french fries?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2068244 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
This Newbery winner's second picture book, after Samuel Todd's Book of Great Colors , again centers on her oldest grandchild. Here, the bespectacled Samuel muses on familiar items he considers worthwhile inventions. The genial child shares his views on the importance of mirrors, belt loops, Velcro, gloves, backpacks, training wheels, ladders, candles, boxes and Halloween. But to Samuel, the telephone and television are not particularly impressive inventions; rather, "They come with the house like mothers and windows and fathers and walls." Kids and adults alike will appreciate the humor--and the truth--in Samuel's astute observations, which are likely to open young eyes to numerous "great inventions" they've hitherto taken for granted. Konigsburg's affection for her perspicacious grandson shines through her boldly colored paintings, effectively juxtaposed with smaller drawings that simulate black-and-white photos. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-- In this companion volume to Samuel Todd's Book of Great Colors (Atheneum, 1990), a boy offers random observations and appreciation of everyday things, from the marvel of mirrors to the ups and downs of belt loops and the advantages of Velcro. On the surface, the concept and the language are straightforward, but are presented with a sophistication that may be a bit confusing to young readers accustomed to concrete plot lines. For the most part, the musings themselves reflect a genuinely childlike perspective and are brilliant flashes of clarity that will provide fresh insight into one's surroundings. A few, however, may be slightly abstruse for the average picture-book audience: ". . . I don't think the telephone and television are great inventions. They come with the house like mothers and windows and fathers and walls." Meticulously executed full-color paintings realistically depict Samuel Todd's perceptions, while overlays of black-and-white snapshot-style pencil sketches that feature a multicultural cast of children further illustrate his commentary. --Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Library, CA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher
Inventions help people do things better, easier, or faster. According to Samuel Todd, great inventions help kids do things better, easier, faster -- or make them more fun.

What are the really important great inventions? Samuel shows us some of the ones that make his day better, from morning to night.

Customer Reviews

I sleep with Samuel
I love this book very, very much. Because it makes me happy. I always think about things in the same way. The pictures are also fun and wonderful.