BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2009. The Boy Who Invented the TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth. New York : Alfred A. Knopf . ISBN: 0-375-84561-5.
PLOT SUMMARY
A picture book biography of Philo Farnsworth, the boy who would grow up to create the world's first television image.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this beautifully illustrated picture book biography, the reader is introduced to Philo Farnsworth. A brief introduction describing life before television sets the stage for the story. Philo's childhood is detailed as one of exploration and wonder. The reader is given life events, illustrated with acrylic and color pencil eye catching images, to connect with the natural tendency Philo has to explore the mechanical world. A confirmation that he truly was inspired by the inventions around him is given by a quote in reference to his reaction to a phonograph and hand-cranked telephone. He is quoted as saying, "These things seemed like magic to me." The inclusion of time specific events and items helps the reader imagine the time period in which Philo's life takes place. The Sears Roebuck catalog, popular-science magazines, and the introduction of radio are introduced as time references. The specifics of his move from Utah to Idaho, his marriage to Pem Gardner, and his 1928 announcement of his invention remind the reader that this is a biography organized in the context of a story.Young readers' curiosity and natural wonder will be excited as they connect with the normal young life of this little known inventor and his journey in creating an amazing invention that they most likely use on a daily basis. The author's note and sources list of books and websites complete this entertaining and inspirational picture book biography.
REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS
CONNECTIONS
This book would be a great inspirational introduction to an inventors unit of study. It is also a great read aloud that will appeal to the students that are mechanically inclined, naturally curious, and out of the box thinkers.
PLOT SUMMARY
A picture book biography of Philo Farnsworth, the boy who would grow up to create the world's first television image.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this beautifully illustrated picture book biography, the reader is introduced to Philo Farnsworth. A brief introduction describing life before television sets the stage for the story. Philo's childhood is detailed as one of exploration and wonder. The reader is given life events, illustrated with acrylic and color pencil eye catching images, to connect with the natural tendency Philo has to explore the mechanical world. A confirmation that he truly was inspired by the inventions around him is given by a quote in reference to his reaction to a phonograph and hand-cranked telephone. He is quoted as saying, "These things seemed like magic to me." The inclusion of time specific events and items helps the reader imagine the time period in which Philo's life takes place. The Sears Roebuck catalog, popular-science magazines, and the introduction of radio are introduced as time references. The specifics of his move from Utah to Idaho, his marriage to Pem Gardner, and his 1928 announcement of his invention remind the reader that this is a biography organized in the context of a story.Young readers' curiosity and natural wonder will be excited as they connect with the normal young life of this little known inventor and his journey in creating an amazing invention that they most likely use on a daily basis. The author's note and sources list of books and websites complete this entertaining and inspirational picture book biography.
REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS
Starred Review, School Library Journal:"One to inspire young audiences with the vast possibilities that imagination and diligence can accomplish."
CONNECTIONS
This book would be a great inspirational introduction to an inventors unit of study. It is also a great read aloud that will appeal to the students that are mechanically inclined, naturally curious, and out of the box thinkers.
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