Full of beans Henry Ford grows a car

Henry Ford was a manufacturing genius. While this is especially true of his work in the automobile industry, it's his innovations in agriculture that guide Thomas' latest biography. At the height of the Great Depression, Ford felt compelled to do something useful for his country, and being a man passionate about recycling, he wondered how agricultural resources could be maximized to create new markets and more jobs. After settling on the soybean as the ideal crop for such a task, Ford manufactured a slew of soy-based products, including a car made almost entirely from soybeans. Not only is this subject matter fascinating but it also includes engaging recipes for Henry Ford-esque soy plastic and soy crackers, as well as a wealth of information in the back matter to spike a reader's research. Fotheringham's illustrations are stunning digital art pieces that supplement the narrative with additional information. This engaging story is ideal for anyone looking to add to their collections on American history or STEAM.--Stephanie Harper Copyright 2010 Booklist

While many know about Henry Ford's automobiles and assembly line refinements, Thomas's latest nonfiction work describes his fascination with the soybean. Ford, raised on a Michigan farm, sought to help farmers find a new market--factories--following the Great Depression. The eventual result, following years of experimentation: a soybean suit, a favorite soybean snack, and a prototype car made of soy plastic. While Ford's vision for a soy car waned with WWII's onset, his chemists' research jump-started soybean farmers' future; today, they contribute to "furniture and flooring,/ dog biscuits and bread,/ candy, crayons,/ and cars." Vibrant shades of yellow, green, and blue dominate Fotheringham's digital illustrations, which feature farming and factory scenes and play with scale. Extensive back matter includes a list of products containing soy, a lengthy bibliography and timeline, and recipes for soy plastic and Ford's favored soy cracker. A detailed, bean-filled look at an auto tycoon's lesser-known passion. Ages 7--10. (Oct.)

Henry Ford is well known for the Model T and the assembly line, but he made many other contributions to the economic health of the nation.He was also concerned with finding ways to improve farming methods and ease the heavy burdens of farmers. He built reliable tractors from spare car parts. The Depression exacerbated existing troubles. Ford already recycled and repurposed nearly everything at his factory and thought that he could find new uses for farm crops as well. He created a laboratory and hired scientists to study grains, fruits, and vegetables, and they finally determined that soybeans were the answer. The team developed soybean-based paint, fabric, and lightweight plastic that could form most of the parts for his cars. The vast amount of soybeans needed kept hundreds of farmers solvent and even prosperous. After Ford's death, the soybean continued to be converted into dozens of products way beyond his initial plan. Thomas presents the facts as if in direct conversation with readers, with clear and accessible explanations. Fotheringham's boldly hued, action-packed digital illustrations are bright and cheery; they depict an all-white cast. Extensive backmatter includes further information on Ford and soybeans, two recipes, a timeline, and further resources. Absent from both it and the primary story is any reference to Ford's virulent anti-Semitism.A fascinating if focused look at an inventor and innovator who changed America. (notes, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.