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Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History

by Callie Dean

How mistakes can change the course of history

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Regular price $31.24 USD Sale price $18.74 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

How mistakes can change the course of history

Across eight stories about historical figures, this rhyming picture book connects accidents and setbacks with discoveries, inventions, and new career directions. Its subjects range from biologist Alexander Fleming and fashion designer Vera Wang to jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and astronauts Peggy Whitson and Shane Kimbrough. The examples bring together creative and scientific work, using real people’s missteps to introduce the idea that success does not always follow a straight path. The book frames mistakes as part of learning and achievement, making history and resilience its linked subjects.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 exploring historical figures and nonfiction.
  • Families, classrooms, or libraries seeking a read-aloud about mistakes, learning, and resilience.
  • Young readers interested in discoveries, inventions, and people from varied fields.

Themes

Historical figuresAccidents and discoveriesInvention and creativityResilience and learning from mistakes

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"Perhaps you will find, in the messes you make, a masterpiece hiding behind each mistake!"

Everybody makes mistakes. Some mistakes go down in history . . . for all kinds of reasons.

This picture book takes readers on a playful, rhyming journey through eight famous mistakes made by historical figures. Some mistakes led to discoveries or new inventions. Others forced their makers down new, more successful paths. But every mistake highlighted in this book led to something good.

From discoveries born of accidents to careers reshaped by setbacks, these stories show that success isn't always a straight line--and that even the greatest achievers mess up sometimes.

Marvelous Mistakes explores both the creative and scientific process, showing that success is not always linear and that even famous people mess up sometimes. Teaching history while encouraging resilience and a growth mindset, Marvelous Mistakes makes a great read-aloud for classrooms, libraries, and families.

Featuring: biologist Alexander Fleming, fashion designer Vera Wang, jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, architect Bonanno Pisano, mechanic Soichiro Honda, football player Jim Marshall, astronauts Peggy Whitson and Shane Kimbrough, and archeologists Mary Ann and Gideon Mantell.

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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.