Readers who’ve never heard the iconic Bob Rossism “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents” will see that concept come to life in this clever, engaging series. Some of these accidents, like bubble gum, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream cones, have led to the invention of some very tasty treats. Chocolate chip cookies are notable for being the only featured invention created by a woman, Ruth Wakefield. Sticky notes came to be only because their inventor failed first—his super-strong glue came out way too weak. Microwave ovens and spray string strayed from their original intent, too. These books illustrate the lesson all good science teachers strive to impart: Sometimes we learn the most from our failures. Helpful pronunciation asides encourage readers to sound out vocabulary words phonetically before they’re defined in the glossary. VERDICT Worthwhile additions where young STEM-minded readers roam.

This installment in the Oops! Accidental Inventions series (6 titles) dives into the invention of not ice cream itself but of the now-ubiquitous waffle cones used to carry it around. In large fonts and simple declarative sentences ideal for emerging readers, the text tells the story of an 1890s ice cream vendor in New York City who ran out of glass cups and invented the waffle cup on the spot. The cones gained mass popularity years later at a Missouri State Fair. Stock photos and a picture glossary help reinforce the words introduced in the text, and an opening “Teaching Tips” section offers support and suggested activities (before, during, and after reading the book) for teachers and parents who are reading alongside kids. A solidly designed tool for emerging readers.