Papa's Mechanical Fish

Reach for this book when your child is facing a creative block or feeling discouraged because their first attempt at a project didn't go as planned. It is a whimsical look at the real life inventor Lodner Phillips, who lived on the shores of Lake Michigan and dreamed of building a boat that could travel underwater like a fish. Through a series of humorous failures and iterations, Papa proves that curiosity and persistence are the keys to discovery. This story beautifully highlights the role of a supportive family unit, as the children and Mother offer the gentle nudges Papa needs to keep tinkering. It is a perfect choice for children aged 4 to 8 who love building, machines, or history. The rhythmic, repetitive text makes it an engaging read aloud that celebrates the messy, trial and error process of bringing a big idea to life.