Along with Diemer’s story, the author also covers a bit of gum history, the trial-and-error of invention, and the excitement that comes with a successful final product, all with just the right level of detail. Judicious use of the inventor’s own words helps to convey his enthusiastic personality. With appropriately simple but engaging prose, McCarthy relates how accountant Walter Diemer began “playing with different mixtures” in the late 1920s at the candy factory where he worked and eventually discovered a gum that bubbled. This picture-book biography of the inventor of bubblegum is equal parts informative and entertaining. "What a good idea for a book! Kids who enjoy blowing gum bubbles may never have considered how the treat came to be, but here, in easy language and with amusing illustrations, McCarthy changes that." -BOOKLIST
An author's note about the inventor extends the slight text interesting facts about chewing gum continue the good-humored theme a bibliography completes the back matter. Initial dark backgrounds reflect the dismal state of the pre-bubble-gum factory, while bright colors signal the perfected product as business booms. McCarthy's signature round-faced characters, with spherical insectlike eyes, suggest a number of gumballs playfully rolling across each page. McCarthy's light-as-air biography covers a popular topic and a likable ("I've done something with my life.I've made kids happy around the world") hero whose success comes through hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity. And the rest is history, with over forty million pieces of bubble gum now sold daily. 5/10 978-1-4169-7970-8 $15.99 Although chewing gum dates back over nine thousand years, it wasn't until 1928 that mild-mannered accountant by day and inventor by night Walter Diemer introduced bubble gum to the American public.
by the author Primary Wiseman/Simon 40 pp. HORN BOOK Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum by Meghan McCarthy illus. "A sweetly told, worthy tale-the world needs more heroes like Walter." - KIRKUS
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