Reading this story reminded me why it is important to encourage our children to have diaries to express their thoughts and creative ideas, even from a young age, and to date them. Not only that but writing and sketching ideas of nature and science are valuable tools to learn. Margaret benefited in the long run from having saved her diaries and sketches.

This was a good biography for kids. The other book about Margaret Knight called Marvelous Mattie is probably a little better for information, but for a reader that just is being introduced to the person, Margaret Knight, this is light and it covers the major accomplishments of her life and the illustrations are very inviting. I like the illustrations in here a lot and for most anyone, I would assume Margaret Knight is not a familiar name, so this would gave them a clue. Nicely done. ( )

In the bag: Margaret Knight wraps it up by Monica Kulling, illustrated by David Parkins

The Text: Simple paragraphs and brisk, cheerful dialogue tell the story of Mattie Knight, from her work in factories as a young girl to her first invention and successful court defense of her patent. After her family fell on hard times, Margaret Knight worked in a mill with her siblings. But she stuck to her love of machinery and invented devices to make the factory safer. She continued to work on her inventions until she created her first patented machine, which folded and glued paper bags. A man at the machine shop where she took her invention to have a model made tried to steal it, but she successfully defended her patent in court.

The Illustrations: Parkins’ illustrations are cheerful caricatures, showing long-nosed faces, historical clothing, and Mattie’s determination and struggles to pursue her career. The illustrations focus on people and characters and their reaction to and relationships with Knight. Knight’s clothing, often in bright reds and blues, stands out against the gray and brown-hued world around her.

The Extras: A brief note adds more information about Margaret Knight’s life and patents.

Verdict: A lively and interesting story, but sadly lacking in sources or further information. Did the author fictionalize the exchanges between Mattie and her contemporaries? Or are these actual quotes? There’s no way of knowing. An additional purchase if you need a lot of inventor biographies.

ISBN: 978-1770492394; Published October 2011 by Tundra; Review copy provided by publisher