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  • Published: 1 October 2012
  • ISBN: 9781742755649
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $29.99

Australia's Greatest Inventions and Innovations



In conjunction with the Powerhouse Museum comes this comprehensive guide to Australia's most innovative inventions as well as their amazing creators. Full of facts, photos and fun surprises for curious kids and grown-ups alike.

Imagine a world without wi-fi or clothes lines or lawnmowers or Vegemite or dual-flush toilets or even mousetraps.

Weird, huh?

These are just a few of the many inventions that have been created by clever Australians to solve some of life's difficult problems.

PROBLEM: How do you find clues that are invisible to the naked eye at a crime scene?

PROBLEM: How do you help a deaf person to hear everyday sounds?

PROBLEM: How do you access the internet without having to plug in your computer?

In Australia's Greatest Inventions and Innovations, you will find out about our nation's most ingenious inventions, their makers, and how to turn a bright idea into a useful creation.

Be inspired!

  • Published: 1 October 2012
  • ISBN: 9781742755649
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $29.99

About the authors

Christopher Cheng

Christopher Cheng is an award-winning children’s fiction and non fiction author. He dwells in an inner-city Sydney terrace and presents to people of all ages at schools and festivals worldwide. He has a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and was a Literacy Ambassador for the Australian Federal Government. He is a member of the International Advisory Council for SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and an Ambassador for NCACL (the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature).

His most recent picture book, Dragon Folding, is a tribute to his neighbours and godson who give so freely of their love and support.

Other picture books include Bear and Rat, lovingly written for his amazing wife Bini, and illustrated by Stephen Michael King, which has been published in many countries worldwide. One Tree, illustrated by Bruce Whatley, was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, and is a CBCA Notable Book. One Child, illustrated by Steven Woolman, won the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Picture Books (Australia) and the Skipping Stones Honour Book (USA). Christopher also worked with Sarah Davis on the critically acclaimed picture book Sounds Spooky which won an Aurealis Award in the picture book category and is a CBCA Notable Book.

Christopher is often heard to announce that he has the best job in the world!

Linsay Knight

Linsay has written a number of non-fiction titles including two volumes of The Dictionary of Performing Arts (with two other writers)and Volcanoes and Under the Sea. She has edited various story collections, including 30 Australian Stories for Children, 30 Australian Ghost Stories for Children and Stories for 6,7,8 & 9 year olds.

In her spare time, Linsay enjoys playing the viola (she was the Principal Viola of the St Andrews Chamber Orchestra) and playing with her grandson, Ziggy.

Awards & recognition

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2013  •  Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

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