The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a fun picture book biography to enjoy alongside everyone’s favorite frozen treat (bonus: it includes science activities!).
The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson’s Famous Frozen Treat by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Milan Pavlović. Kids Can Press, 2019. 40 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
- Recommended For: Ages 4-8
Popsicles are ubiquitous now, but they were a brand new invention once upon a time.
Frank Epperson didn’t invent the popsicle when he was a little boy, but he did invent all manner of other things from the time he was young. A born scientist, Frank was always collecting, experimenting, and inventing. He tried making fizzy soda, for instance. It was delicious, and his family and friends loved it. When the temps outside began climbing, Frank’s curiosity naturally turned to the problem of making his drink colder and more refreshing.
It wasn’t until Frank was a grownup—and married with a “gaggle of children”—that he finally invented the popsicle. And people went wild, as you might imagine! Popsicles were a hit.
This is a terrific picture book biography for curious young minds. Not only does it show a child asking questions and pursuing answers, but it includes several science experiments readers can do at home. They coordinate with the projects Frank was working on at those points in the story (like making a fizzy drink).
Bottom Line: A very fun picture book biography that would be perfect for summer activities at home or in a science classroom.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Review: The Crayon Man is another fun picture book biography about the invention of everyone’s favorite Crayola crayons.
- Review: Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Invention — a picture book biography about the invention of the Super Soaker water gun.
- Review: Science Experiments You Can Eat — keep the fun going with more edible experiments!
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