Review - The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat
by Anne Renaud
illustrated by Milan Pavlović
Date: 2019
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

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.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Summer seems like a perfect time to read a book about the invention of the Popsicle! This lovely picture-book biography reveals the story behind the invention, and a short sketch of the life of its inventor, Frank Epperson.

For me, the strength of this book is the narrative. The weakness, unfortunately, is the layout. The book features four experiments for kids to try, and while I understand why they were placed where they were (inserted at points that corresponded to concepts just discussed in the story), I found that it really broke up the flow. And I wonder if some kids are going to get sidetracked by the first one of these experiments and simply abandon the story while they run off to try it. I think I would've preferred seeing all of these experiments placed at the back of the book for this reason. (The experiments themselves look pretty cool, although I do question the one that has kids making fizzing lemonade with water, lemon juice, and baking soda. The instructions have you tasting the lemonade at this point, and then state that you "can add" sugar, implying that it's just a suggestion. I think budding scientists will learn very quickly that the sugar isn't actually optional!)

The illustrations are okay, but not particularly memorable. I do like the fact that they accurately portray the time period in question, though.

Overall, this is another nice biographical picture book from Anne Renaud. For those looking for a true tale about a historical figure--framed in an easy-to-read picture-book format--this one shouldn't be missed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5