Have you ever wondered who invented the jet airplane? How did someone come up with the idea of television? Humans have been inventing things for many, many years, but most inventions did not happen overnight. They are a result of years of work and effort. This book takes a brief glimpse at some of the world’s greatest inventors and their inventions. Leonardo da Vinci filled notebooks with sketches of amazing invention ideas, but was unable to build any of them because of the limited technology of his time. Michael Faraday invented the electric motor in the early 1800’s. Today electric motors power hundreds of modern machines such as DVD players, electric toothbrushes, and electric cars. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, but later in life refused to have one in his own study because he thought the ringing noise was a nuisance. For over four years the Wright brothers carried out thousands of flight tests with kites and gliders before attempting to build a powered aircraft. These are just a few of the examples found in this informative book. Also included are a glossary, colorful photographs, how-to guides, an index, and brief timelines. This book is part of the “Crabtree Connection Series” and is great for elementary level readers. Reviewer: Heather Kinard