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Earmuffs for Everyone!

How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs (with audio recording)

Illustrated by Meghan McCarthy

About The Book

As a young boy, Chester Greenwood went from having cold ears to becoming a great inventor in this nonfiction picture book from the acclaimed author-illustrator of Pop! and Daredevil.

When your ears are cold, you can wear earmuffs, but that wasn’t true for Chester Greenwood back in 1873. Earmuffs didn’t exist yet! But during yet another long and cold Maine winter, Chester decided to do something about his freezing ears, and he designed the first pair of ear protectors (a.k.a. earmuffs) out of wire, beaver fur, and cloth. He received a patent for his design by the time he was nineteen, and within a decade the Chester Greenwood & Company factory was producing and shipping “Champion Ear Protectors” worldwide!

But that was just the beginning of Chester’s career as a successful businessman and prolific inventor. In this fun and fact-filled picture book you can find out all about his other clever creations. The Smithsonian has declared Chester Greenwood one of America’s most outstanding inventors. And if you’re ever in Maine on December 21, be sure to don a pair of earmuffs and celebrate Chester Greenwood day!

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Meghan McCarthy is the award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children, including Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of EarmuffsDaredevil: The Daring Life of Betty SkeltonPop!: The Invention of Bubble GumCity Hawk: The Story of Pale MaleSeabiscuit the Wonder Horse; All That Trash; and Action! A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at Meghan-McCarthy.com.

About The Illustrator

Photo courtesy of the author

Meghan McCarthy is the award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children, including Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of EarmuffsDaredevil: The Daring Life of Betty SkeltonPop!: The Invention of Bubble GumCity Hawk: The Story of Pale MaleSeabiscuit the Wonder Horse; All That Trash; and Action! A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at Meghan-McCarthy.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (January 6, 2015)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481406383
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8
  • Lexile ® AD720L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Awards and Honors

  • CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children's Book Council)
  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List PrimaryTitle
  • Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title
  • Wisconsin State Reading Association's Reading List
  • Eureka! Excellence in Nonfiction Award Honor Title (CA)

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Meghan McCarthy