Mistakes That Worked: The World's Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be [Hardcover]

Do you know how many things in your daily life were invented by accident?
 
SANDWICHEScame about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free.POTATO CHIPSwere first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren’t thin enough.Coca-Cola, Silly Putty,andX rayshave fascinating stories behind them too! Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious cartoons and weird, amazing facts, make up this fun-filled book about everyday items that had surprisingly haphazard beginnings.

And don't missEat Your Wordsabout the fascinating language of food! 

Praise forMistakes That Worked:

“A splendid book that is as informative as it is entertaining . . . a gem.” —Booklist,Starred 

A splendid book that is as informative as it is entertaining. Jones has great fun with facts, dredging up plenty in a lively, anecdotal account that recollects the oddball origins of a variety of foods, clothing, toys, and devices....A gem of a book. --Booklist, starred reviewCHARLOTTE FOLTZ JONES was an author of award-winning nonfiction books for children, as well as numerous magazine articles.

JOHN O'BRIEN is a frequent contributor to theNew Yorkermagazine and has illustrated many popular children's books.US