The Boy Who Invented The Popsicle by Anne Renaud

Young Frank William Epperson wanted to be an inventor. He enjoyed practicing his cornet, having adventures with his younger brother Cray and learning magic tricks. He was also curious about the world around him. But what he loved most, was inventing. 

In his "laboratory", the back porch of his family's home, he tinkered and experimented. By the age of ten he had created a two-handled hand car that was faster than a one-handled handcar.

Frank loved to experiment with soda waters. He wanted to invent the most delicious soda water drink ever, so he would buy flavoured soda water powders from the nearby corner store. His little brother Cray would help by tasting Frank's concoctions. 

One day Frank was part of a miniature amusement park he and his friends set up. Frank was in charge of the soda water stand. However, something very unusual happened at this time: the temperature dropped below freezing. This was unusual because Frank lived in San Francisco, California, a part of the United States not known for becoming very cold. This led Frank to wonder what his soda drink might taste like if it were frozen. So he experimented by leaving his drink outside during that cold night. 

The next morning Frank awoke to find his drink frozen. He couldn't drink it, but he could lick it! He had invented a new treat. Frank grew up, married his sweetheart Mary Frances and had a large family. He never forgot about that treat he made as a kid. As frozen treats became more popular, Frank returned to his experiments and discovered a way to make frozen drinks on a stick. He had to solve several problems before his treats could be sold. And once he worked out solutions to those problems he then had to figure out a way to market his treats which he called the Ep-sicle. His children loved his treats too, calling them pop's sicle and eventually he changed the name to Popsicle!

Discussion

Now that it's summer, popsicles are on everyone's shopping list. But did you know they were accidentally discovered by an eleven-year-old boy in 1905 when he left his soda water mixture out on the porch? Frank Epperson, who made that accidental discovery, went on to patent his invention but later sold the rights when he needed the money.

Epperson's remarkable story is told in a fun and engaging way, accompanied by the colourful illustrations of Milan Pavlovic. The artwork was rendered in mixed media including pencil, colour inks and digitally. To help young readers understand the science behind the making of popsicles, Renaud has included easy experiments that can be done at home. These experiments explain the concepts involving liquids, mixtures and the effect of salt on the freezing point of water.

Renaud was able to source information for her book directly from Frank Epperson's family, his three surviving children and his granddaughters and grandsons. The author was able to access Epperson's written memoirs, business papers and photographs.Some of the photographs are shared in the detailed Author's Note at the back of the book. 

The Boy Who Invented The Popsicle is treat for those curious about how the popsicle came to be.

Book Details:

The Boy Who Invented The Popsicle by Anne Renaud
Toronto: Kids Can Press Ltd.       2019