Frank William Epperson is a curious boy who wants to be an inventor when he grows up. Since inventing begins with experimenting, Frank spends a lot of time in his ?laboratory? (i.e. his back porch) trying out his ideas, such as building a double-handled handcar that whizzes past the single-handled cars in his neighborhood. What Frank loves most, though, is experimenting with liquids. When he invents his own yummy flavored soda water drink, his friends love it! And this gets him to thinking: ?I wonder what this drink would taste like frozen Though he doesn't yet realize it, his curiosity will lead to his best invention ever: the Popsicle! In this innovative picture book, Anne Renaud tells a lively story inspired by a real person and true events. Budding scientists will be inspired to emulate the way Frank follows his curiosity, works hard and never gives up --- a growth mindset in action. Interwoven within the story are full-page illustrated instructions for four science experiments that Frank performs, so readers can try them at home or school. Thoroughly researched back matter provides additional historical notes, photos and a bibliography. This readable book covers social studies topics including early twentieth-century history and inventions and inventors, as well as science topics, such as simple chemistry experiments and an overview of the skills and strategies of scientific inquiry.

When Filbert P. Horsefeathers walks into George Crum's restaurant, he orders 'a heaping helping of potatoes.' George prepares a serving of his most scrumptious, succulent and sublime potato wedges, only to have Filbert send them back for being too thick. So, George makes thinner and thinner wedges until, feeling a bit mischievous, he decides to use his sharpest knife to cut paper-thin potato slices, which he fries until they are crackling and showers with salt. At last, Filbert is satisfied and, quite by accident, George Crum has invented potato chips!

A unique solution is found when a little girl dreams of getting a pet. Gwendolyn longs for a pet. What kind? Any kind! How many legs? Two, four, ten--she's not picky! But her parents have other ideas, and instead they give her . . . a box of dirt. "It smells of swamp," Gwendolyn says--but her parents say it smells of possibilities. And once Gwendolyn gets savvy about seeds and soil, sun and shade, she finds they are right. The dirt starts performing some amazing tricks, and soon she has a whole pet garden of her very own--it might not have "any legs at all, but it was alive, and Gwendolyn could talk to it, care for it, and watch it grow." Dynamic illustrations full of funny details show the love Gwendolyn puts into caring for her "pet," and her enthusiasm and pride are sure to inspire gardeners and aspiring gardeners alike.

Anna Swan was born at Millbrook Colchester Co., NS on August 6, 1846. When Anna was three years old the family moved to Central New Annan. At 17 years of age she was 7-feet- 11 1/2 inches tall and weighed 413 lbs, and attracted the interest of showman Phineas T. Barnum. She was billed as "The tallest girl in the world" at his American Museum on Broadway, and she later travelled throughout America and Europe where she was received by Queen Victoria. She married Martin Van Buren Bates in 1871 and died in Seville Ohio, in 1888. Hailed as the pride of Nova Scotia, Anna continues to be acclaimed as a woman who, despite her unusual and challenging physical attributes, rose above adversity to lead a life of love, happiness and great accomplishments.