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The Marvelous Thing That Came from a Spring: The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation Hardcover – Illustrated, September 13, 2016

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 101 ratings

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With magnificent dioramic illustrations, Gilbert Ford captures the joy, creativity, and determination behind the invention of an iconic, one-of-a-kind toy: the Slinky!

One day, a spring fell from the desk of Richard James, an engineer and a dreamer. Its coils took a walk…and so did Richard’s imagination. He knew right away that he had stumbled onto something marvelous.

With the help of his wife, Betty, Richard took this ordinary spring and turned it into a plaything. But it wasn’t just any old trinket—it was a Slinky, and it would become one of the most popular toys in American history.
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 2—The history of an iconic toy is shared in this delightful title from award-winning illustrator Ford. Authoring his first nonfiction picture book, Ford introduces his readers to naval engineer Richard James and his wife, Betty James. Always a dreamer, Richard James watches in wonder one day as a torsion spring falls from a shelf in his office and its coils take a walk. In that moment, the seeds of an idea are planted in his imagination, and with the help of his family, Richard James invents a new toy. Through his ingenuity, a simple spring is transformed into the "Slinky, a one-of-a-kind thing!" After a hit demonstration to holiday shoppers at Gimbels, Richard and Betty James's business becomes a thriving enterprise. Ford's forthright narrative is informative, and his illustrations are as inventive as the engineer's amusing new toy. The pictures capture the can-do attitude of the mid-20th century United States and mirror the clever creativity the inventor needed to bring his sensational toy to kids and parents across the country. Found objects such as metal springs, dominoes, fuzzy pipe cleaners, and game pieces decorate the dioramic illustrations, adding a touch of whimsy to the scenes chronicling the Jameses' entrepreneurial journey. VERDICT Young scientists and kids at heart will appreciate this nostalgic look at a popular accidental invention.—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston

Review

A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year (5-8 category)

*STARRED REVIEW* "The Slinky, one of the great toy sensations of the 20th century, was born during WWII, when naval engineer Richard James noticed a torsion spring’s unusual properties.... Ford (Mr. Ferris and His Wheel) writes with reportorial concision, and his visual style is elaborately and ingeniously playful, capturing both a midcentury American optimism and the tinkerer mindset. His photographed dioramas are assembled from expressive paper doll figures, two-dimensional drawings, and three-dimensional objects." ― Publishers Weekly, July 2016, *STARRED REVIEW*

"Who hasn’t had fun with a Slinky at some point in childhood? This toy has been ubiquitous since its creation in the mid-twentieth century, and its origin story will grab young readers and might spur would-be inventors to think about the way simple things capture imaginations. Meanwhile, older readers will have fun pinpointing all the vintage treasure Ford uses to embellish his three-dimensional set-piece illustrations: from dominoes and pick-up sticks, to plastic sedans and dollhouse sofas, he imaginatively uses childhood’s commonplaces to add pizzazz. The story itself...is fascinating.... Readers intrigued by the origins of commonplace things will find this a fulfilling piece of nonfiction." ―
Booklist, July 2016

"The history of an iconic toy is shared in this delightful title from award-winning illustrator Ford. Authoring his first nonfiction picture book, Ford introduces his readers to naval engineer Richard James and his wife, Betty James. Always a dreamer, Richard James watches in wonder one day as a torsion spring falls from a shelf in his office and its coils take a walk. In that moment, the seeds of an idea are planted in his imagination, and with the help of his family, Richard James invents a new toy.... Ford’s forthright narrative is informative, and his illustrations are as inventive as the engineer’s amusing new toy. The pictures capture the can-do attitude of the mid-20th century United States and mirror the clever creativity the inventor needed to bring his sensational toy to kids and parents across the country. Found objects such as metal springs, dominoes, fuzzy pipe cleaners, and game pieces decorate the dioramic illustrations, adding a touch of whimsy to the scenes chronicling the Jameses’ entrepreneurial journey. VERDICT: Young scientists and kids at heart will appreciate this nostalgic look at a popular accidental invention." ―
School Library Journal, July 2016

"[A] lively and visually entertaining tale. Illustrations created from cutouts, painted backgrounds, and...lots of kids’ period dollhouse furniture, toy vehicles, and games...will prove as fascinating for many readers as the narration itself. Pair this with Chris Barton’s
Whoosh! (BCCB 6/16) on the invention of the Super Soaker for a crowd-pleasing invention-themed story time." ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, July/August 2016

"This quick read with colorful illustrations makes the history of this iconic toy accessible and engaging for young readers. Full page whimsical dioramas that are a combination of drawings and real objects will capture readers’ attention and bring the story to life.... An appealing read about a familiar toy that students can easily connect with." -- School Library Connection, October 2016, Recommended

"A memorable toy slunk into baby boomers' lives in the 1950s. What fun to read about how Slinky got its start in “The Marvelous Thing That Came from a Spring,” a book that celebrates happenstances and toys of old.... Ford’s rendition details “The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation" in entertaining text, and illustrations conceived in a most unique way.... Everything from how the toy got its name, to doubts others had about its success and more are included in this book, proof-positive that non-fiction can be fun to read, and informative. This one should appeal to readers in first through fourth grade." ―
The Missourian Online, November 2016

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (September 13, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1481450654
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1481450652
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD880L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 0.4 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 101 ratings

About the author

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Gilbert Ford
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Gilbert Ford has illustrated many New York Times best selling middle grade novels and award winning picture books. He holds a BFA from Pratt Institute and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. He is the author and illustrator of non fiction picture books THE MARVELOUS THING THAT CAME FROM A SPRING (a best Stem book), and HOW THE COOKIE CRUMBLED. His debut middle grade novel he wrote and illustrated entitled THE MYSTERIOUS MESSENGER, came out in July, 2020.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
101 global ratings

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Customers enjoyed the book and found it easy for kids to read and understand. They found it fun with their students and a great non-fiction book for tweens.

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"I really enjoyed reading this book so I bought it for the classroom. I had no clue how the slinky came to be and this book tells how...." Read more

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This is a marvelously fun tale about the Slinky that children of all ages will love ...
5 out of 5 stars
This is a marvelously fun tale about the Slinky that children of all ages will love ...
Richard James sat at his desk, wistfully looking off at a pile of books and a spring. There were piles of paper in the waste bin, springs all over the floor, and a few on a shelf. Richard “worked as an engineer for the United States Navy” and he had a job to do. That one little job was to create an invention “that would keep fragile ship equipment from vibrating in choppy seas.” He tried this, he tried that, and that an this, but not a single one of his springs would do. All of a sudden, one of his springs fell down from a shelf and onto those books. The torsion spring hit his books and *boing* ... it walked across his desk at him!Hmmmm! This was a most unusual spring, something Richard had never encountered before. He turned it this way and that in his hands, thinking it “might not work for the navy’s ships,” but the spring could just be something very special! Richard showed it to his wife, Betty, and then his son, Tom. Tom “let it go from the top of the stairs.” Down, down, down it went as they watched. “I think it’s a toy!” Richard exclaimed to his family, but what would they call it? Betty’s eyes grew tired as she passed her time poring through the dictionary. Of course it was a “Slinky,” because the definition was just right and it even sounded like one.Betty decided that little torsion spring would be the “Slinky: A One-Of-A-Kind Thing!” The long journey of the Slinky had begun, but like the Slinky heading down the stairs, everyone turned them down, down, down. It wasn’t looking good for Richard and Betty, but finally one store decided to give it a try. Gimbels was going to let Richard “demonstrate how it worked to the holiday shoppers.” Richard waited and waited for Betty to arrive to help, but she just wasn’t in the store. He “took a deep breath and let the Slinky go.” Down, down, down the ramp it went. Was this one-of-a-kind toy going to be a flop?This is a marvelously fun tale about the Slinky that children will love. Well, add me to that list because I thoroughly enjoy the tale of this “accidental invention.” Of course Richard was a dreamer and without that imagination, none of us would have ever enjoyed the Slinky’s trek down our stairs. The ever-popular toy has given generations of children a glimpse at just what a torsion spring can do. The artwork has a great retro look that will bring the reader right back into the 1940s. In the back of the book is a brief historical overview of alternate uses of the Slinky and a bit more about Richard and Betty James. There’s a Biblio with additional book resources to explore.Ages: 4 to 8
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
    I really enjoyed reading this book so I bought it for the classroom. I had no clue how the slinky came to be and this book tells how. The illustrations are also great.
    If you love learning about how mistakes that actually work then this book is for you!
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2022
    I purchased two of these books to go along with Slinkys for my grandkids! They so enjoyed getting away from their video games and reading about the Slinky and then using the Slinky's that were also given as a gift for Christmas to make them go downstairs seemingly by magic. They have had so much fun!

    I recommend this for boys and girls who like to know why something works and then go forward to make it work.

    Excellent purchase!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2016
    Amazon Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )Verified Purchase
    Richard James sat at his desk, wistfully looking off at a pile of books and a spring. There were piles of paper in the waste bin, springs all over the floor, and a few on a shelf. Richard “worked as an engineer for the United States Navy” and he had a job to do. That one little job was to create an invention “that would keep fragile ship equipment from vibrating in choppy seas.” He tried this, he tried that, and that an this, but not a single one of his springs would do. All of a sudden, one of his springs fell down from a shelf and onto those books. The torsion spring hit his books and *boing* ... it walked across his desk at him!

    Hmmmm! This was a most unusual spring, something Richard had never encountered before. He turned it this way and that in his hands, thinking it “might not work for the navy’s ships,” but the spring could just be something very special! Richard showed it to his wife, Betty, and then his son, Tom. Tom “let it go from the top of the stairs.” Down, down, down it went as they watched. “I think it’s a toy!” Richard exclaimed to his family, but what would they call it? Betty’s eyes grew tired as she passed her time poring through the dictionary. Of course it was a “Slinky,” because the definition was just right and it even sounded like one.

    Betty decided that little torsion spring would be the “Slinky: A One-Of-A-Kind Thing!” The long journey of the Slinky had begun, but like the Slinky heading down the stairs, everyone turned them down, down, down. It wasn’t looking good for Richard and Betty, but finally one store decided to give it a try. Gimbels was going to let Richard “demonstrate how it worked to the holiday shoppers.” Richard waited and waited for Betty to arrive to help, but she just wasn’t in the store. He “took a deep breath and let the Slinky go.” Down, down, down the ramp it went. Was this one-of-a-kind toy going to be a flop?

    This is a marvelously fun tale about the Slinky that children will love. Well, add me to that list because I thoroughly enjoy the tale of this “accidental invention.” Of course Richard was a dreamer and without that imagination, none of us would have ever enjoyed the Slinky’s trek down our stairs. The ever-popular toy has given generations of children a glimpse at just what a torsion spring can do. The artwork has a great retro look that will bring the reader right back into the 1940s. In the back of the book is a brief historical overview of alternate uses of the Slinky and a bit more about Richard and Betty James. There’s a Biblio with additional book resources to explore.

    Ages: 4 to 8
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a marvelously fun tale about the Slinky that children of all ages will love ...
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2016
    Richard James sat at his desk, wistfully looking off at a pile of books and a spring. There were piles of paper in the waste bin, springs all over the floor, and a few on a shelf. Richard “worked as an engineer for the United States Navy” and he had a job to do. That one little job was to create an invention “that would keep fragile ship equipment from vibrating in choppy seas.” He tried this, he tried that, and that an this, but not a single one of his springs would do. All of a sudden, one of his springs fell down from a shelf and onto those books. The torsion spring hit his books and *boing* ... it walked across his desk at him!

    Hmmmm! This was a most unusual spring, something Richard had never encountered before. He turned it this way and that in his hands, thinking it “might not work for the navy’s ships,” but the spring could just be something very special! Richard showed it to his wife, Betty, and then his son, Tom. Tom “let it go from the top of the stairs.” Down, down, down it went as they watched. “I think it’s a toy!” Richard exclaimed to his family, but what would they call it? Betty’s eyes grew tired as she passed her time poring through the dictionary. Of course it was a “Slinky,” because the definition was just right and it even sounded like one.

    Betty decided that little torsion spring would be the “Slinky: A One-Of-A-Kind Thing!” The long journey of the Slinky had begun, but like the Slinky heading down the stairs, everyone turned them down, down, down. It wasn’t looking good for Richard and Betty, but finally one store decided to give it a try. Gimbels was going to let Richard “demonstrate how it worked to the holiday shoppers.” Richard waited and waited for Betty to arrive to help, but she just wasn’t in the store. He “took a deep breath and let the Slinky go.” Down, down, down the ramp it went. Was this one-of-a-kind toy going to be a flop?

    This is a marvelously fun tale about the Slinky that children will love. Well, add me to that list because I thoroughly enjoy the tale of this “accidental invention.” Of course Richard was a dreamer and without that imagination, none of us would have ever enjoyed the Slinky’s trek down our stairs. The ever-popular toy has given generations of children a glimpse at just what a torsion spring can do. The artwork has a great retro look that will bring the reader right back into the 1940s. In the back of the book is a brief historical overview of alternate uses of the Slinky and a bit more about Richard and Betty James. There’s a Biblio with additional book resources to explore.

    Ages: 4 to 8
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    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2019
    This was so much fun with my second grade students. I read them the book, then provided original slinky’s to groups- they had fun building stairs, ramps and obstacles
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2017
    Eureka! Gold Winner 2016. Engaging picture book that tells the story of the wife and husband who brought the SLINKY to life. Great for STEM classrooms--gets at the hard work behind inventions. Put this into the hands of students - read aloud or ask them to read in small groups or with a partner or just to enjoy. The text lends itself to student-led discussions with questions like:
    What is the role of dreaming, engineering and planning in making an idea for a toy or some other gadget come to fruition?
    How does the author develop the idea that Richard and Betty James were committed to making the slinky successful? Could we call Richard and Betty perseverant? Why or why not?
    How does the illustrator reveal what the slinky could do? And how does the illustrator show that people were fascinated by this?
    Why is the use of photographs of the slinky mixed with illustrations a good choice for this book?

    The only drawback--but not a deal breaker-- is that some of the explanations or details are a little sophisticated for the intended audience (Kinder-Grade 2) - especially on the first two pages when the author creates the setting - "in 1943 the United States was at war. Richard had to support his country and his family...United States Navy...shipyard...device that would keep fragile ship equipment from vibrating in choppy seas...torsion spring..." Again. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting and being prepared to explain a bit to the students. The big point is that he was a dreamer and while he was doing his duty, he managed to keep dreaming. The illustrations are fantastic and may help the young audience fill in some of the gaps.

    You might pair this with Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions by Wulffson. The author includes a chapter on the slinky with VERY similar details and sometimes better explanations (what Richard was doing for the war effort and the accident that led to the slinky as a toy). I think this could be a good text to PAIR with The Marvelous Thing--asking students to compare and contrast some of the details. There's even a conflicting detail. In The Marvelous Thing, the author makes it sound like Richard decided the spring could be a "toy" and in Toys! Amazing Stories, Wulffson gives Betty credit for identifying it as a toy after her husband demonstrated what he'd discovered it could do.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2019
    Love it! My students loved the story. Thank you!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2019
    I used this book in our STEM classes and the kids loved it!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2020
    My son was entriqued by this book.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Reader Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for toy research
    Reviewed in Canada on January 30, 2024
    The story was entertaining and interesting. We enjoyed the details at the end of the book - especially learning slinkies were used in space to test gravity. We used this book as research because our class is inventing our own toys.