Inventor McGregor

Peely, Kathleen. Inventor McGregor. Illustrated by Michael Chesworth. Farrar Straus Giroux, ISBN0374336067. $16.00. Ages 4-8.

Inventor McGregor, by Kathleen T Peely, is a delightful story about an inventor who needs his family and freedom to allow his creativity to flow. The fanciful words which are used throughout the story add an element of silliness that appeals to children and adults alike. Hector McGregor, the inventor begins the story as mend-it McGregor, fixing any neighborhood problems with motivation from his “cheery wife, his five children and his hen called Hattie”. His character is transformed as he takes a job as an inventor that leaves him disconnected from all he cherishes. The colorful illustrations, by Michael Chesworth, provide an aura of isolation or happiness coordinating to McGregor’s moods. As his separation grows and his creativity withers, the now named inventor McGregor breaks free from his job and finds inspiration again in that which is truly important, his family and freedom.

Angie Schoonover, BGSU student