In the Bag!
  • Published: 15 August 2013
  • ISBN: 9781770495159
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $19.99

In the Bag!

Margaret Knight Wraps It Up

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This is the third book in Tundra's Great Idea Series of biographies for young readers. The story behind the invention of the paper bag is one that all young children can relate to, and the inventor is a woman to boot! The previous books in the series have been well reviewed, and this book will be equally compelling. Finalist for the 2012 Governor General's Literary Awards for Children's Illustrations.

Tundra's Great Idea Series are early-reader biographies. The third book in the series introduces the fascinating Margaret Knight. Known as Mattie, she was different from most American girls living in 1850. She loved to make things with wood and made the best kites and sleds in town. Her father died when she was only three and by the time she was twelve she was working at the local cotton mill, alongside her two older brothers. One day she saw a worker get injured by a shuttle which had come loose from the giant loom, and the accident inspired her to invent a stop-motion device. It was to be the first of her many inventions. Margaret devoted her life to inventing, and is best known for the clever, practical, paper bag. When she died in 1914 she had ninety inventions to her name and over twenty patents, astounding accomplishments for a woman of her day. Monica Kulling deftly uses easy-to-read language and lots of dialogue to bring an amazing, inspiring woman to life.
  • Published: 15 August 2013
  • ISBN: 9781770495159
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $19.99
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About the author

Monica Kulling

Louisa May Alcott was born in 1832 in Pennsylvania and grew up in Concord, Massachusetts. She is best known for her books for children. The daughter of philosopher and reformer Amons Bronson Alcott, she was also a supporter of women's rights and an abolitionist. Family debts led her to write the autobiographical novel LITTLE WOMEN (1868). The book was a huge success, followed by LITTLE MEN, AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL, and several other novels.

Also by Monica Kulling

Dr. Jo
Eliza Hamilton: Founding Mother
Alexander Hamilton: From Orphan to Founding Father
Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge
To the Rescue! Garrett Morgan Underground
Clean Sweep! Frank Zamboni's Ice Machine
Spic-and-Span!
See all

Praise for In the Bag!

Praise for In the Bag!

"...In clean, straightforward prose, Kulling explains how Knight's interest in and knack for machines was present even at a young age.... Paired with Parkins's detailed and handsome pen-and-ink illustrations, the book focuses on Knight's invention of a paper bag-manufacturing machine and her legal fight to protect her creation after her idea was stolen." - Publishers Weekly

"...a delightful picture book biography of a little known inspiring woman.... I love stories about smart and determined young women and Kulling's lively text tells an inspiring story about this determined woman who 'never gave up without a fight.' David Parkins' charming illustrations are filled with carefully drawn period details and engaging humor.... Don't miss this really excellent book that opens the door to a multitude of curricular uses." - Bookends, a Booklist Blog

"This is the wonderful story of an early female inventor. Margaret Knight began inventing at the age of 12, when she was working in a cotton mill and created a device that made looms safer. But her most famous invention is one we're all familiar with - she created a machine that made flat-bottomed paper bags." - Ten Great Science Books for Kids, Smithsonia.com