Earmuffs for Everyone!

Earmuffs for Everyone! 
by Meghan McCarthy

Who is Chester Greenwood?  While many credit him as the inventor of the earmuffs, author Meghan McCarthy explains how, while he was not the first person to make earmuffs, he became known as the inventor of them by improving the designs of other earmuff inventors.   As a result of his fame, Farmington, Maine celebrates Chester Greenwood Day every December.   In addition to describing the interesting history of earmuffs, including Chester Greenwood's contribution, she also explains to young readers what a patent is, why its important to inventor, and how many famous inventors developed items that were actually improvements on something created by someone else.  With fun facts and cute illustrations, this informational picture book is a fascinating look at a piece of Maine history!

An author's note in the back details the lengthy research that Meghan McCarthy had to do to unravel the complicated history of earmuffs.  This additional information should be shared with older students, as she came across quite a bit of inaccurate information on the internet as she struggled to put together the mystery of Chester Greenwood's contribution to earmuffs.   Through the use of primary sources and other, more reliable, resources, she was finally able to get a better understanding about Chester Greenwood's life and the history of earmuffs!

Author's website: http://www.meghan-mccarthy.com/homepage.htm