Papa's Mechanical Fish

Papa's Mechanical Fish tells the story of eccentric inventor Lodner Phillips and his family in late 19th century Michigan. His daughter Virena narrates their experiences as Papa works in his basement workshop, attempting to create various inventions. The book chronicles Papa's process of designing and building an underwater vessel on Lake Michigan. Through trial and error, Papa persists in his engineering mission while his family supports his creative endeavors. The narrative highlights hands-on experimentation and the scientific method through Papa's determination to solve problems. The blend of historical facts with playful storytelling makes this an engaging introduction to both invention and Great Lakes history for young readers.

Readers appreciate the book's blend of historical fiction and whimsy in telling the story of Lodner Phillips' submarine inventions. Parents and teachers highlight its value for STEAM education and inspiring curiosity in young readers. Multiple reviews note how the detailed illustrations by Boris Kulikov enhance the storytelling. Positives: - Shows persistence through failure - Engages children in engineering concepts - Family dynamic adds humor and heart - Historically accurate while remaining fun Critiques: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle - A few readers wanted more technical details about the submarine - Length may be challenging for very young readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (487 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (43 ratings) School Library Journal: Starred review Kirkus: Starred review Common reader comment: "Perfect for budding inventors and scientists who need encouragement to keep trying when things don't work the first time."

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🐟 Candace Fleming conducted extensive research on actual inventor Lodner Phillips, who built a series of submarines in Lake Michigan during the 1850s. 🔧 The book is based on true events but adds a creative family storyline, including Phillips' children who weren't actually involved in his submarine experiments. ⚓ The real Lodner Phillips built four different submarines between 1851 and 1855, with his final version reaching depths of 90 feet in Lake Michigan. 🌊 Phillips' submarine innovations included the first known use of a periscope on a submersible vessel and a system for maintaining air pressure underwater. 📚 Author Candace Fleming has written over 40 children's books, earning multiple awards including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction.