In this book Anderson tells the story of Austrian inventor Franz Gsellmann. He's some one most of us will never have heard of. He didn't invent something we use every day or that everyone admires for it's ingenuity. In fact, what he invented is really just an oddity, more of an art piece than an invention. That's actually what makes this book worth reading. It's not a story of innovation, constantly striving to make a thing better. It's a celebration of curiosity, of doing a thing simply because it brings you joy. While it may be of limited interest to the average reader, I could easily see using this in a classroom setting to introduce a creative project.

Knowing that this blue haired man actually exist shocked me. Beautifully wrapped in some kind of imaginary story, I didn't realize that this is happens in real life. A nice way to introduce people's biography through storybook.

I was a bit confused about what was going on because I'm just another silly grown up. Also the fact that I've never heard about Franz before didn't help either. After finishing the book and doing a bit of research on my own, I am super impressed with Franz's pure curiosity, his perseverance, hard work and intense urge to invent something new. To balance his normal life and keep pursuing his passion, he had to give extra efforts, face disheartening remarks from his family members and neighbors alike but nothing stopped him from doing what he loved. The message is brilliantly conveyed with cute and amusing illustrations. Overall, a great book.

I enjoyed this story. It was well written. The story however, was a bit anticlimactic in the end. With all the excitement I was not sure where it was going in the end. It was not until I read the information in the end I understood this is about automation as art. I feel like some kids might also be confused about the ending.

This book has a bit of a surprise when it comes to who this book is written about that is truly fascinating. Franz's Phantasmagorical Machine is colorful and beautifully illustrated. The message behind the story by Beth Anderson is one that children and adults alike can share, to be curious and to listen to that little voice that is telling you to create, to be curious, to learn. It's a very special book to share and it has fun activities to do after you are done reading,

This is a really neat book about a boy/man building a machine that is based on a real inventor. As a teacher, I feel this book would be a great introduction to any unit on building or STEM, such as simple machines, pulleys and gears, structures etc! It would also be a great mentor text for creative biographies told in a story-like manner. Finally, I also feel it would be a great book for discussing growth mindset/perseverance. I would recommend this book for K-6 schools and classrooms. It likely could be used with younger or older students though too!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book! I look forward to purchasing a copy for my classroom library!

Yes to curious minds! Yes to experimenting your dreams!

Thank you, Kids Can Press, for the advance reading copy.

This book is such a good reminder of letting our dreams live by never giving up on them. Franz dreamt of being an inventor and ended up inventing a masterpiece!

I find the illustrations a bit uneasy at times to read alongwith. Maybe it will be better with the paperback.

I would have loved the book more if there's a glossary or a note at the beginning or towards the end of the book giving a short information on Franz.