Author & Illustrators
Torben Kuhlmann’s Edison is a brilliant addition to a unique science series we love, and just as recommendable as the other books – Armstrong and Lindbergh.
This beautiful text is a longer picture book, and feels more like a large-format chapter book with full-page illustrations, drawing Key Stage 2 readers into a brilliant illustrated adventure with science themes of light, design, discovery and invention. The story follows a young mouse, Pete, on a quest to uncover the mystery of his ancestor’s lost treasure, a journey that unexpectedly leads him and an old Professor into the fascinating world of submarine design and the history of invention.
The narrative weaves real-life scientific discovery into a fantasy plot, and the author’s notes at the end provide a brief history of Thomas Edison and the history of the lightbulb.
Kuhlmann’s unique and detailed illustrations are stunning, often telling aspects of the story themselves and providing incredible detail to pore over and discuss. Impressive, and highly recommended!
Loosely based on Charles Lindberg’s success of being the first solo man to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, Kuhlmann embellishes the true story with that of a little mouse seeking a new life in America.
The story begins with the dangers for the little mouse living in London, while he explores possible ways to escape. Will our hero be captured by a cat, caught in a mouse trap or simply get trapped in his many attempts to be free?
The book is littered with stunning illustrations which tell the history of 1940s London through newspaper headlines and modes of transport including ships and train stations. Some of the most intricate pieces of artwork are the mouse’s sketches of his inventions. Readers can see the stages of design and how these improve and develop over time. They range from labelled diagrams and sketches of cogs and engines to his final design of the iconic aircraft.
Throughout the book you see that imagination has no limits, and readers can experience the process of trial and error, resulting in a masterpiece. The story goes on to explain the mouse’s successful journey to New York and readers are transported to the famous statues and architecture of the city itself (after many failed attempts).
At the end of the book, the author gives a short history of aviation, including facts about Otto Lilienthal, The Wright Brothers and Charles Lindbergh himself. A perfect way to inspire future pilots and aviation enthusiasts. This story can appeal to children young and old, due to the many depths of the tale. From the fictional story of a mouse, showing resilience and determination, to the real-life story of Lindbergh’s adventure and overcoming challenge. This is a true masterpiece!
How do you convince your friends that the moon is not made of cheese? Be the first to venture into space and prove it of course!
Armstrong is a captivating and compelling work of beauty. It centres around a determined little mouse who is eager to discover the secrets of the universe and to become the first creature to step onto the surface of the moon. Inspired by a mysterious invitation, Armstrong leaves boxes of pecorino behind him and arrives at the Smithsonian. Here he is amazed and inspired by the heroic mice who have ventured before him in their flying machines. Later, Armstrong sneaks himself into university so that he might learn and discover all that humans know. He never allows his diminutive size to hold him back and he uses courage and determination to achieve his lunar dream.
Through the character of a persevering mouse, children will learn about the obstacles and challenges of space travel. They will also understand the power of resilience and fortitude as Armstrong never gives up hope that he will succeed. This is a book that has appeal on so many levels: it’s a gorgeous picturebook with exquisite illustrations, perfect for sharing; it has bags of potential for linking to a unit in school about space travel and it shouts out loud the importance of aspiration, imagination, perseverance and resilience.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments
