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Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll! The Inventive Rube Goldberg: A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple Machines
CCBC Review:
A fun and fascinating dissection of what makes a Rube Goldberg, the man whose comics became an adjective. Lively illustrations break down the six simple machines and how they play a role in daily life. In tandem, the book explores how the genius of Rube Goldberg’s comics was the fun he poked at daily life. Goldberg’s career as a cartoonist and the impact of his 2D inventions are explored. Rube himself was not mechanically minded. He once said, “I don’t really have any interest in trying to figure things out the way I’m reputed to do.” He was mechanically creative, however, and his imaginative mindset is what is celebrated in this physics-focused informational text. Less of an instruction manual and more of a narrative overview, this lively illustrated book offers readers inspiration to try, fail, and try again. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey
CCBC Age Recommendation: 8-12
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Picture book
Subjects:
Art and Artists
Humor
Imagination/Imaginary Play
Inventing and Inventors
Science and Scientists
Diversity subject:
Jewish
Publisher:
Chronicle
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 53
ISBN: 9781452144221
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 621 Thimmesh