In the 1760s a group of amateur experimenters met and made friends in the English Midlands. Most came from humble families, all lived far from the center of things, but they were young and their optimism was boundless: together they would change the world. Among them were the ambitious toy maker Matthew Boulton and his partner James Watt, of steam-engine fame; the potter Josiah Wedgwood; the larger-than-life Erasmus Darwin, physician, poet, inventor,...

Collects two stories in which Rapunzel must consult a wizard for an explanation on why her long blond hair has returned, and must determine what project she should enter into the royal invention convention.

Introduces recent technological advances in vehicles for space travel, and features hands-on activities for children.

"The power and legacy of great ideas. Innovation over centuries -- facets of modern life (refrigeration, clocks, and eyeglass lenses, to name a few) from their creation by hobbyists, amateurs, and entrepreneurs to their unintended historical consequences. Accidental genius and brilliant mistakes -- from the French publisher who invented the phonograph before Edison but forgot to include playback, to the Hollywood movie star who helped invent the technology...

"Few today realize that electric cabs dominated Manhattan's streets in the 1890s; that Boise, Idaho, had a geothermal heating system in 1910; or that the first megawatt turbine in the world was built in 1941 by the son of publishing magnate G. P. Putnam--a feat that would not be duplicated for another forty years. Likewise, while many remember the oil embargo of the 1970s, few are aware that it led to a corresponding explosion in green-technology...

Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie's gizmos would astound--if she ever let anyone see them. Afraid of failure, she hides them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose (AKA Rosie the Riveter!),...

"Monkey-opia is going to be brilliant!" When Monkey is sent into space by a team of scientists, he expects smooth sailing. But not all goes according to plan, and Monkey's spaceship crash-lands in a nearby forest. Convinced he has discovered a new planet the power-mad Monkey claims the peaceful Woods as his own Monkey-opia! He declares that all other animals must be banished, and he uses bizarre inventions, such as the Cluck-Cluck Zeppelin and Metal...