Glasses - (Eureka! the Biography of an Idea) by Lori Haskins Houran (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A nonfiction 'biography' of glasses, an everyday object that has become ubiquitous, starting with the discovery of the magnifying properties of glass through the development of the eye chart, plastic lenses, and contact lenses"--

Book Synopsis

EUREKA! Great things happen when science crosses history! Discover the all-true stories of your favorite inventions with this new multicultural STEM series that takes readers on a journey through time and around the world. A perfect choice for kids ages 4-8 who love to figure out how things work!

Without glasses, everything can be a blur! Here is a "biography" of glasses, an essential invention that helps people see clearly.

Ever since someone first noticed that a jar of water magnified what was behind it, people have worked to improve their vision. Glasses is a fun and informative look at an invention that makes a huge difference in our lives. This STEAM nonfiction title is part of the new Eureka! series, each book focusing on one groundbreaking, world-changing discovery that millions of people use every single day.

Review Quotes

2024 Kansas NEA Reading Circle List
NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book

"The appealing Eureka! The Biography of an Idea series introduces primary-grade students to the history behind familiar inventions, from an initial concept or prototype to versions familiar to users today. The writing is simple, clear, and often lively. Richly colorful, digital artwork suggests the look of different time periods and cultures, while portraying individuals who developed each invention and showing how its appearance has changed through the years. Well attuned to the intended audience, this series is both engaging and informative." --Booklist

"Glasses are nearly ubiquitous now, but who actually invented them? This book is an illustrated time line of that process and includes diagrams of the eye as well as explanations of why a person might need glasses. The artwork is helpful for understanding some of the more complex concepts and the graphics are clearly labeled. The story demonstrates to readers that the glasses that are worn today are the product of lots of collaboration and fine tuning over the centuries, not the work of a single person, which is an idea not often brought forward in discussions of the inventive process... a good addition to any library serving younger patrons who are interested in science and health sciences and inventions."--School Library Journal

"A concise, inclusive history of the evolution of the bicycle. The multicountry perspective (Germany, England, France, America, Ireland, and China are all mentioned) is a refreshing angle; also welcome is the information on ways bicycles were and are used, their efficiency, and the etymology of bicycle names and terms. This engaging history of the bicycle is sure to pique young riders' interest while it enriches their knowledge." --Kirkus Reviews (for EUREKA: Bicycle)

"This concise history starts with German Karl Drais's 1817 invention of a wooden two-wheeled 'running machine'...[and] culminat[es] with 'a bicycle for just about everybody'....The lively illustrations keep pace with the accessible and engaging text." --The Horn Book (for EUREKA!: Bicycle)

About the Author

Lori Haskins Houran has been wearing glasses since she was six years old! She is a former editor and the author of more than fifty books for kids, including Next to You, Too Many Dogs, My Little Golden Book About George Washington, and several titles on the Kane Press backlist. Lori lives in Massachusetts with her family. You can find her at lorihaskinshournan.com.

John Joven has illustrated many kids' books published around the world, such as Preschool Here I Come, Bulldozer Dreams, and Charlie Takes His Shot. He lives in Bogota, Columbia. Visit John at johnjoven.com.