Rube Goldberg's Simple Normal Humdrum School Day: A Picture Book
Product ID: 46114244
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Packed with 14 original Rube Goldberg inventions and interactive gatefold spreads, this STEM-inspired picture book follows young Rube through a hilariously overengineered school day filled with imaginative machines, chain reactions, and creative problem-solving. From the moment he wakes up until bedtime, young Rube Goldberg turns ordinary routines into extraordinary adventures, using a series of fantastically complex contraptions to accomplish the simplest of everyday tasks. Inspired by the legendary cartoonist, inventor, and namesake of the famous Rube Goldberg machine, this book includes spectacular gatefold spreads that unfold to reveal each invention in full, inviting readers to follow every pulley, lever, switch, and chain reaction from start to finish. Created by Rube Goldberg's granddaughter Jennifer George and illustrated by Reuben Award–winning artist Ed Steckley, this playful introduction to one of America's most imaginative minds celebrates creativity, curiosity, and out-of-the-box thinking. Along the way, readers can trace each funny cause-and-effect chain as Rube navigates breakfast, school, homework, and more. Packed with visual humor and interactive details, this engaging picture book invites children to look closely, think like engineers, and imagine their own inventive solutions to everyday challenges. Perfect for STEM and STEAM classrooms, aspiring inventors, classroom read-alouds, and anyone who loves a clever machine. Review: A new Master Cartoonist, Steckley, respectfully riffs on Rube Goldberg - Masterful cartooning is on full display, along with a fun narrative arc. The classic watercolor illustration is approached with a modern flair, and displays Steckley's formidable drawing chops. Both whimsical and educational, this is a new and standout gem among a crowded sea of illustrated books for children/young adults/ Art enthusiasts. I Highly recommend it! Review: Clear drawings and cartoons are captivating to students. - This was a great introduction to Goldberg chain reaction machines. The students got a kick out of the cartoon inventions. It gave them a little push to use their own imagination to create their own.
| Best Sellers Rank | #170,503 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #492 in Children's Daily Activities Books #599 in Children's Books on the U.S. #2,187 in Children's Self-Esteem Books |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 206 Reviews |
M**O
A new Master Cartoonist, Steckley, respectfully riffs on Rube Goldberg
Masterful cartooning is on full display, along with a fun narrative arc. The classic watercolor illustration is approached with a modern flair, and displays Steckley's formidable drawing chops. Both whimsical and educational, this is a new and standout gem among a crowded sea of illustrated books for children/young adults/ Art enthusiasts. I Highly recommend it!
A**R
Clear drawings and cartoons are captivating to students.
This was a great introduction to Goldberg chain reaction machines. The students got a kick out of the cartoon inventions. It gave them a little push to use their own imagination to create their own.
R**E
Definitely pick up the entire series!
I bought 3 copies of this series to send to all my nieces and nephews. They're really well done, engaging, and span the age ranges of "being read to" to "reading on their own." I highly recommend them!
G**R
A funny book to accompany learning about Rube Goldberg
We were studying Rube Goldberg machines and I wanted a book to go with the unit. This was a great way to show students how to draw up an idea and they absolutely loved the hilarious contraptions. I love that the book is written by Rube’s granddaughter.
A**R
Inspired my niece to make her own Rube Goldberg machine
I got this for my 8 year old niece, who loves books. She loved looking at the detailed drawings, and following along with each part of Rube's machines to figure out how they all worked together. She immediately wanted to create her own Rube Goldberg machine! Great book!
A**A
Inspiring for a 4 year old
We have read this book at least twice a day for MONTHS. My child now constantly tries to build Rube Goldberg machines all over the house. And they keep getting better. Very inspiring for small bodies with big imaginations.
C**A
Awesome book that sparks creativity and engineering fun
We LOVE this book so much. My 6-year-old looks at it constantly, and we ordered an extra copy for his school library. Lots to look at and think about. However, my chances of being injured from random machines that are now being built throughout my house has skyrocketed.
E**E
Cute book
I bought this for my 11 year old who recently did a project about Rube Goldberg. This book doesn’t tell any info about him or his history but it’s just a cute book of ridiculous contraptions. Even the younger ones enjoy reading it
A**R
Excellent Read/Conversation Starter for Curious Children
My son got this a little early, but at 4 1/2 he LOVES it. We spend a ton of time discussing the individual aspects of each invention after reading through the descriptions step-by-step.
S**A
This is a fantastic book if you are wanting to engage youngsters with ...
This is a fantastic book if you are wanting to engage youngsters with STEM or STEAM materials. The grade 1 class absolutely loved it!
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