Encouraging Invention

Since 1978, Parents' Choice has championed the search for products that sharpen young minds, not blunt them. From bookshelves to kitchen tables or playroom floors, the following suggestions will help awaken imaginations, cheer on creativity and instigate exploration.

So You Want to Be an Inventor?
Ages: All Ages
Author: Judith St. George    Illustrator: David Small
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc., $16.99

This is just the book for kids who like "to tinker with machines that clink and clank, levers that pull, bells that ring, cogs that grind, switches that turn on and off, wires that vibrate, dials that spin." etc "If you want to be an inventor, find a need and fill it," says author St. George. The author lists necessary attributes of an inventor: be a dreamer; keep your eyes open; "be stubborn as a bulldog", don't mind being laughed at. More than three dozen inventors have been well chosen as examples of the various attributes useful to a would-be inventor.

Imagibricks Giant Building Blocks 40-Piece Set
Ages: 2 - 6 yrs.
Imagiplay, Inc., $32.99

Constructive play begins with the kind of large corrugated cardboard blocks beloved by generations of children. They are light enough even for toddlers to carry and stack, big enough to show quick results, and strong enough to stand or sit on.

101 Rhythm Instrument Activities : for Young Children
Ages: 2 - 6 yrs.
Author: Abigail Flesch Connors    Illustrator: Deborah Wright
Gryphon House, Inc., $14.95 (Hardcover)

The perfect book to introduce rhythm instruments to young children. The activities bring music into the home or classroom and offer ways for children to participate in the music experience, using rhythm sticks, sand blocks, bells, shakers, and more! Plus, they learn to play the instruments along with their favorite songs. Book Description

Superstructs Construction Set: Starter Set
Ages: 3 - 7 yrs.
WABA Fun, LLC, $29.95

The Superstructs™ Starter Set is designed to build big rolling fun! The set includes illustrated, step-by-step plans to create a tractor, dragster, dune buggy, or monster truck. Or use your imagination - and the Superstructs building system pieces - to build other great creations! Product Description

Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers
Ages: 3 - 6 yrs.
Artist: Peggy Ashbrook    Illustrator: Marie Ferrante-Doyle
Gryphon House, Inc., $16.95

Science Is Simple encourages children to experience our world fully, and gives teachers learning objectives, items for discovery, related books and follow-up activities. This comprehensive resource will help you teach simple science concepts -- simply! Book Description

Supermag 244
Ages: 5 - 10 yrs.
PlastWood Corporation, $79.99

Connect magnetic rods in two lengths (one inch and one-half inch) with metal balls to make constructions strong enough to build outward on a refrigerator. 244 is the total number of rods and balls.

Kidspiration 2
Ages: 5 - 11 yrs.
Inspiration Software, Inc., $69.00 (Windows/ MAC)

This software is essentially a hands-on, visual, brainstorming and outlining workshop for comprehending and writing assignments, or for just exploring topics. In practical terms, it's an enriching tool for everything from planning research projects to recognizing connectivity of ideas and subjects. Using the mind-mapping webs that create and connect concepts, kids can learn better to synthesize, analyze and evaluate. Sorting, categorizing, organizing and rethinking are the mental muscles the program builds as ideas are wrung-out, reworked, kneaded and raised, and finally translated into a more comprehensive written form, such as a journal, report or project.