Samuel Todd's Book of Great Inventions

This Newbery winner's second picture book, after Samuel Todd's Book of Great Colors , again centers on her oldest grandchild. Here, the bespectacled Samuel muses on familiar items he considers worthwhile inventions. The genial child shares his views on the importance of mirrors, belt loops, Velcro, gloves, backpacks, training wheels, ladders, candles, boxes and Halloween. But to Samuel, the telephone and television are not particularly impressive inventions; rather, ``They come with the house like mothers and windows and fathers and walls.'' Kids and adults alike will appreciate the humor--and the truth--in Samuel's astute observations, which are likely to open young eyes to numerous ``great inventions'' they've hitherto taken for granted. Konigsburg's affection for her perspicacious grandson shines through her boldly colored paintings, effectively juxtaposed with smaller drawings that simulate black-and-white photos. Ages 4-7. ( Sept. )