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Mr. Ferris and His Wheel is an exciting title about George Ferris and the amazing invention of the Ferris Wheel for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. It almost wasn't called a Ferris Wheel. There was competition from another inventor...but maybe that's another story.
When I think of his invention, I think of carnivals, amusement parks, and giggles and laughter! I'm thrilled that Ferris stuck with the idea of creating such a wonderful ride that millions of people have enjoyed since then. The author organized the text with the main story about the invention of the Ferris Wheel and also included little factoids about the development. My favorite one is:
"The Chicago Fair, or the 'White City' inspired two more magical places-The Emerald City in the classic children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Disneyland. Walt Disney's father was a construction worker on the fair. He told his son stories about the dreamlike city he had helped build, and young Walt grew up to build famous amusement parks that stay open all year round."The artwork of the book has a cartoonish sort of look to it which adds to the dreaminess of how the ferris wheel must have appeared to those that were able to see it. The views from the gondolas must have been spectacular. I was surprised to read that one round-trip on the wheel could be purchased for the low, low cost of 50 cents a ride no matter who you were. AMAZING! What an incredible story of tenacity, perseverance and confidence...it almost wasn't.
Thank you to author Kathryn Davis and illustrator Gilbert Ford for this unique glimpse of the back story on the Ferris Wheel. I feel so excited to share the book with other teachers and students.
This looks like a fun read, Amy. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely fun and great informational text about how the Ferris Wheel came to be.
DeleteI still need to read this, have seen it before, Amy, & it's just fun that someone wrote a book about this wonderful invention so many of us have delighted in. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteYes, there are records of tallest Ferris wheels and now the US holds the record with the addition of the High Roller in Vegas.
DeleteI am hoping to find this book. It looks like the kind of NF that would appeal to a number of my intermediate readers as well as make a fine addition to a physics or invention unit.
ReplyDeleteI think you could also throw in argument as well because there is architect vs engineer conflict as well!
DeleteThis book has been receiving a lot of book love. Looking forward to finding an reading it soonest.
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