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*The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth* by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Greg Couch
 
Also by Kathleen Krull:

Louisa May's Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little Women

The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum

Pocahontas: Princess of the New World
The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth
by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Greg Couch
Grades 2-5 40 pages Knopf September 2009 Hardcover    

Philo Farnsworth was born in the American West at a time when electricity was a rare extravagance. There were no cars, very few phones, and even fewer indoor bathrooms. But Philo was a visionary, and when he saw his first telephone and phonograph machine, he became inspired by their “magic.”

As a young boy, he read in a magazine about a machine scientists were trying to build, similar to a radio, but which sent pictures instead of just sound. They called it television, but it had not been invented yet. Philo was determined to figure out a way to do it. But could he, just a young lad, beat the seasoned professionals to the punch?

The Boy Who Invented TV is a comprehensive biography of Philo Farnsworth adapted into picture book form. Although high in word count, it is story-like and makes for an easy and informative read. Author Kathleen Krull is no stranger to biographical work and is famous for her “Lives of” Series.

Once again, she shows the personal side of her subject rather than the fact-filled, textbook side and pulls the reader in by keeping them engrossed for the entire ride through history. The lifelike images developed by talented artist/illustrator Greg Couch complement Krull’s text, making for a fantastic, appropriately visual voyage as well.

The book includes a historical Author’s Note and sources for those interested in finding out more. If you sometimes think that real life is stranger - or at least more interesting - than fiction, come along with Philo Farnsworth and see the magic through his eyes. The greatest ideas can sprout anywhere.
 


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  Niki Masse Schoenfeldt/2010 for curled up with a good kid's book  






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