INVENTIONS: AN AMAZING INVESTIGATION. Wyatt, Valerie. Illustrated by Jerzy Kolacz. Toronto, Greey de Pencier Books, 1987. 96pp, paper, $8.95. ISBN 0-920775-21-7. (OWL Books). CIP Grades 4 to 7 Reviewed by Maryleah Otto Volume 16 Number 5 1988 September Over 160 inventions from the abacus to the zipper are entertainingly described in this OWL publication. The information, which is written in the casual, colloquial style of OWL magazine, is divided into eight chapters that cover the history of early inventions, the circumstances that led to new ideas, the type of thinking that fosters inventive creativity, inventions that have brought about major changes in the world, and those that are edible, wearable, recreational or utilitarian. The strong human-interest approach to each chapter will guarantee reader enthusiasm. Each page has several black-and-white pen drawings, most of which are humorous. This book contains no hard facts or scientific detail, however, that would be helpful to students working on science fair projects. Nevertheless, it's great fun to read and it could be a light-hearted introduction to a more serious search for information. An index is included. Public and school libraries will have good use for this title with children in grades four to seven. Maryleah Otto, London Public Library, London, Ont.