Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions



Last updated Monday, April 4, 2022

Author: Chris Barton
Illustrator: Don Tate
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1580892973
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2022

Synopsis: Celebrate the inventor of the Super Soaker in this inspiring picture book biography about Lonnie Johnson, the maker behind one of the world's favorite toys.

You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy.

A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is a super-soaker?! :) Have you ever used one?
•  What is an invention?
•  Do you like to make things or take things apart? To build things?
•  Have you ever been part of a science fair?

Vocabulary:

•  Engineer: a person who designs and builds things like machines and structures
•  Creative: imaginative, artistic, able to come up with solutions to problems
•  Challenge: a difficulty or obstacle
•  Prototype: a first example or attempt of something you're building
•  Whoosh: the sound of something move fast or air or water rushing!

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What are some things in your home and school that were invented (hint: everything!)
•  What obstacles did Lonnie face?
•  What qualities did Lonnie have that helped him get through obstacles and succeed?
•  What kinds of things make a "whoosh" sound? (air, water, things that fly, etc.)
•  What's the first step toward inventing something?
•  Have you ever had a challenge you've overcome? How?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a paper airplane (it goes whoosh!) Try different kinds and see which one goes fastest (make it a challenge/contest)
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2022the-wonders-of-science-technology//
•  Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php

Special activities:
•  What is a problem you've already solved OR what is a problem in your school that you'd like to solve?
•  Lonnie loved inventing things and building things. What's something you love to do?
•  If you could invent anything, what would it be? Dream big!
•  Super Soaker uses alliteration (two words or more that start with the same letter/sound). What name could you invent for your invention that uses alliteration?
•  Check out kid inventors and their inventions from the past! https://www.rd.com/list/things-kids-invented/
•  Check out kid inventors today! https://time.com/collection/davos-2020/5765632/young-inventors-changing-the-world//
•  Watch raptor dinosaurs play with their Super Soakers water guns at https://youtu.be/tmYh1xk5jdU (6 seconds long)
•  Watch more raptor dinosaurs play with their Super Soakers water guns at https://youtu.be/_7Q4xWEPbnE (6 seconds long)

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!