Thank You Very Much, Captain Ericsson

by Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge

The engineer Captain John Ericsson was ahead of his time when it came to such ideas as a locomotive that could travel at 30 miles an hour and a high-pressure fire hose, but in America he found a more receptive climate for his inventions.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge received a master's degree in education and library science from the University of Chicago. She has written picture books and non-fiction for children. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a little-known inventory of the early nineteenth century. His inventions had a sizable impact on the direction of the U.S. Civil War, although before he achieved that success he suffered many failures.

Inspiring in its tone, this story is a great reminder to kids that failure is not always the end of the road. The illustrations remind me of the Camel With the Wrinkled Knees: the people depicted are a little lumpy and bumpy, and the cover isn't the most attractive. But the story within is worth investigating.

For teens or adults I would pair with Bushnell's Submarine for a fun intro to water warfare in the United States.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light-hearted picture book biography of inventor John Ericsson, who, when he wasn't busy succeeding, was busy failing...gloriously. The comic-style illustrations add to the humorous effect.
The book is listed as written for 2nd to 4th graders, but I suspect that 2nd graders would be less interested in the subject matter than the 4th - or even 5th graders would be. A perfect choice for a reluctant reader in the upper grades because of the illustrations and the real history portrayed in an entertaining manner.

[Erica Hendrickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, humorous way to learn about Captain Ericsson. Written and illustrated for young children.

[Jim Sibigtroth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good non-fiction book about the Swedish inventor who developed the first Union ironclad warship. I read it aloud to 2nd graders.