"Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses
How James Kelly's Nose Saved the New York City Subway
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
James "Smelly" Kelly used his super-senses and intelligence to make sure that the New York City subway in the 1930s ran safely throughout his lifetime and beyond.
James Kelly smelled EVERYTHING: rats in the shed; circus elephants a mile away; tomorrow's rain. His sense of smell was EXTRAORDINARY. But what good was a powerful nose? How could his super-sniffer make him special? In the New York City subway, James found his calling--and earned the nickname "Smelly" Kelly. Armed with his super-sniffer and the tools he invented, he tracked down leaks from the dangerous to the disgusting, from the comical to the bizarre. Then, he sprang into action to prevent cave-ins and explosions in the tunnels beneath the city. Smelly Kelly not only hunted leaks but also saved lives--and he discovered the truly extraordinary power inside him. Beth Anderson's fast-paced text and Jenn Harney's comical illustrations bring to life this everyday superhero.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This picture book biography highlights a little-known figure: James "Smelly" Kelly, an Irish immigrant whose excellent sense of smell helped ensure the safety of the New York City subway system in the mid-20th century. In compelling prose, Anderson relays Kelly's heroic exploits, including locating leak sources, inventing detection implements, and saving a man from beneath a train ("Inches from the underside of the car. Inches from the electrified third rail"). Harney's digital illustrations evoke stylized pen and ink; coils of pea green bring noxious scents to life. Kelly's brightly spotlighted escapades as well as his distinctive red hair, rendered in a vibrant shade serve as welcome contrast. Though some details are hazy, this is an interesting profile of an underappreciated figure. Back matter includes an author's note, a bibliography, and additional resources. Ages 7 10.
