The Klutz Book of Inventions

The 162 inventions featured in this tongue-in-cheek spiral-bound collection are demonstrated in color photographs with deadpan descriptions that might have been lifted from the Onion. Examples include the Salad Washer Showerhead, which enables simultaneous showering and lettuce washing; unsubtle Vent Pants, with a taillike neoprene tube providing "an outlet for digestive emissions of all types;" and Ice Plates, for people who hate to wash dishes ("all you need to do is turn on the hot water"). Though ludicrousness is the point, concepts like Anti-Ant Picnic Plates (staked four feet off the ground), TV Remote Dumbbell, and Ballcap Backscratcher seem frighteningly real in a world of Snuggies and Shake Weights. Ages 8–up. (Aug.)