Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Science, history, and engineering combine in this uplifting nonfiction picture book about the invention of the world’s most iconic amusement park ride, the Ferris wheel.

Capturing an engineer’s creative vision, this inspiring true story and fully illustrated picture book biography sheds light on how the American inventor George Ferris defied gravity and seemingly impossible odds to invent the world’s most iconic amusement park attraction, the Ferris wheel.

A fun, fact-filled history for kids, the text by Kathryn Gibbs Davis combines with Gilbert Ford’s dazzling full-color illustrations to transport readers to the 1893 World’s Fair, where George Ferris and his big, wonderful wheel lifted passengers to the skies for the first time.

How did one engineer turn steel, vision, and perseverance into an American icon?
STEM for Kids: Explore the science and engineering challenges George Ferris overcame, from dynamiting frozen ground to designing a wheel that could withstand Chicago’s winds.Picture Book Biography: Follow the true story of George Ferris, a determined American inventor who refused to let skeptics and setbacks stop his groundbreaking vision.The 1893 World's Fair: Journey back in time to the bustling 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where the challenge was to build something that could outshine the famous Eiffel Tower.A Story of Perseverance: A perfect read-aloud that teaches children how big ideas, hard work, and a refusal to give up can lead to incredible inventions.