The Greatest mistakes that went right

by Maddy Mara, Cheryl Orsini (Illustrator)

Are you in a hurry to wonder and worry

That new things you try won’t go right?

When they simply don’t work, don’t go all berserk

Mistakes can grow wings and take flight.

Where would we be without big blunders? From Play Doh to penicillin, the Slinky to the Granny Smith apple, some of the best inventions started out as gigantic slip-ups.

From exciting new team Maddy Mara and Cheryl Orsini comes a blooper reel with amazing consequences and a reminder to all kids scared of trying something new: even the greatest mistakes can go right.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

Maddy Mara is the pen name of Melbourne-based creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger. Hilary and Meredith have been collaborating on children's books for nearly two decades. Hilary is an author and former publishing director; Meredith is the author of countless books for kids and young adults, and teaches English as a foreign language. Maddy Mara is the melding of their respective daughters' names.

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming book about great mistakes in history that turned out fantastically, with the goal of encouraging children to not be scared of mistakes. A great idea. The rhyming text felt a little clunky at times and, while I appreciated the additional notes at the back, some suggested reading or links as well would have been even better.

[Kat Schrav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated story about famous mistakes that went ‘right’ from penicillin to play-doh. Perfect for p-2 aged children who are worried about trying new things and making mistakes.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting rhyming verse that uncloses the mistakes behind some of our most momentous marvels and inventions. Superbly detailed illustrations amp up the fun and interest.