The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson’s Famous Frozen Treat

Frank Epperson knew what he wanted to do his whole life. He wanted to invent things, and invent things he did. He was always pondering how things worked, what difficulties and differences are found in nature, and what could he build, test, or try. He had his first invention completed by the time he was ten years old; it was a two-handled handcar that would go twice as fast as a regular handcar. He was always trying new things and experimenting with ideas. But like a lot of great inventions, Frank’s most famous was really an accident of nature. A cold snap hit San Francisco, and Frank made the world’s first popsicle.

Author Anne Renaud’s fascinating text will have kids not only turning the pages, but also trying their own hands at experimentation. Her lively language and attention to detail make for a terrific book. Illustrator Milan Pavolić has filled the pages with a lot of details in a fun, cartoon style. Excellent back-matter about this real person and his exciting life will inspire youngsters to try their own ideas. Who knows what inventions this wonderful book might inspire?