
Epic Stories for Kids and Family: Accidental Discoveries That Changed Our World
Fascinating Origins of Discoveries and Inventions to Inspire Curious Young Readers
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Anthony J. Santora
-
By:
-
Riddleland
About this listen
Have you ever started on a journey toward a destination but did not find it? Instead, you discovered something else that was interesting? Did you realize the toothpaste tube, Pepsi, crepes, and safety pin were all discovered by accident?
With fun illustrations for every story!
This book covers fascinating origin stories of 55 everyday items that were invented by accident; that is, the inventor did not expect to make the product when the product was discovered.
Not only will this book share amazing stories about everyday products, but it will also inspire you. We all encounter things that go wrong, and this book reminds us that when life gives lemons, we can make lemonade. (Seriously, pink lemonade was made by accident—listen to the story inside.)
Each story is written to encourage kids and adults to be curious and be inspired to create.
In this book, you will find out about:
- Pepsi was originally called Brad’s Drink
- What is the food fit for a king?
- How forgetfulness lead to the invention of ivory soap?
- An accidentally on purpose action created the record player
- The invention of the gasoline pump
- And more....
Not only does this book provide stories of how everyday items came to be, but it will also likely enhance one’s own problem-solving skills, foster creative thinking, and provide inspiration.
Who knows? You too may make an accidental discovery one day.
If you like to inspire your child to be creative or be curious, get this book today!
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2022 Riddleland (P)2022 RiddlelandListeners also enjoyed...
-
Accidental Inventions That Changed Our World
- Fascinating Origins of Inventions to Inspire Young Readers (Epic Stories for Kids and Families)
- By: Riddleland
- Narrated by: Anthony J Santora
- Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Accidents happen. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Did you realize cheese puffs, Coca-Cola, Bubble Wrap, and the Post-it note were all invented by accident? This audiobook covers fascinating origin stories of 60 everyday items that were invented by accident; that is, the inventor did not expect to make the product when the product was discovered. Not only will this audiobook share amazing stories about everyday products, but it will also inspire you. We all encounter things that go wrong, and this audiobook reminds us that when life gives lemons, we can make lemonade.
-
-
Inspiring Accidental Inventions
- By KC on 02-19-25
By: Riddleland
-
Epic Stories for Kids and Family
- Historic Events That Changed the World
- By: Riddleland
- Narrated by: Anthony J Santora
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Have you ever made pivotal decisions that changed your life? At least 55 points have happened in world history where a single decision has caused the world to pivot in a different direction. It may have been a war, an invention, or an idea. This audiobook covers historic events that changed the world. These are events that changed the world so much, that the world could never go back to the way it was. Each story is written to encourage kids and adults to be curious and be inspired to create.
By: Riddleland
-
Interesting Facts for Curious Minds
- 1572 Random but Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture and Everything in Between
- By: Jordan Moore
- Narrated by: Robin LaRose
- Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Interesting Facts For Curious Minds gives you the answer to all these and many, many more questions that I know have crossed your mind from time to time. This book is divided into 63 chapters by topic for your convenience, bringing you a nice mix of science, history, pop culture, and all sorts of stuff in between. Each chapter contains 25 concise yet engaging factoids that are sure to make you think and at times laugh.
-
-
Very good
- By Cycleash on 12-28-22
By: Jordan Moore
-
Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
- By: Janet Pascal
- Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau
- Length: 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Born to a family of farmers, Lincoln stood out from an early age - literally! (He was six feet four inches tall.) As 16th president of the United States, he guided the nation through the Civil War and saw the abolition of slavery. But Lincoln was tragically shot one night at Ford’s Theater - the first president to be assassinated.
-
-
That I didn’t know many details about Lincoln
- By Barbara I Larrivee on 02-11-24
By: Janet Pascal
-
What If? 2
- Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
- By: Randall Munroe
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The millions of people around the world who loved What If? still have questions, and those questions are getting stranger. Thank goodness xkcd creator Randall Munroe is here to help. Planning to ride a fire pole from the Moon back to Earth? The hardest part is sticking the landing. Hoping to cool the atmosphere by opening everyone’s freezer door at the same time? Maybe it’s time for a brief introduction to thermodynamics. Want to know what would happen if you rode a helicopter blade, made a lava lamp out of lava, or jumped on an erupting geyser? Okay, if you insist.
-
-
Interesting book, horrible narrator
- By Peter on 02-18-24
By: Randall Munroe
-
The Secret Lake
- By: Karen Inglis
- Narrated by: Karen Inglis
- Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Stella and her younger brother, Tom, move to their new London home, they become mystified by the disappearances of Harry, their elderly neighbor's small dog. Where does he go? And why does he keep reappearing wet-through? Their quest to solve the riddle over the summer holidays leads to a boat buried under a grassy mound, and a tunnel that takes them to a secret lake.
-
-
I love this book
- By Amazon Customer on 03-24-21
By: Karen Inglis
-
Accidental Inventions That Changed Our World
- Fascinating Origins of Inventions to Inspire Young Readers (Epic Stories for Kids and Families)
- By: Riddleland
- Narrated by: Anthony J Santora
- Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Accidents happen. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Did you realize cheese puffs, Coca-Cola, Bubble Wrap, and the Post-it note were all invented by accident? This audiobook covers fascinating origin stories of 60 everyday items that were invented by accident; that is, the inventor did not expect to make the product when the product was discovered. Not only will this audiobook share amazing stories about everyday products, but it will also inspire you. We all encounter things that go wrong, and this audiobook reminds us that when life gives lemons, we can make lemonade.
-
-
Inspiring Accidental Inventions
- By KC on 02-19-25
By: Riddleland
-
Epic Stories for Kids and Family
- Historic Events That Changed the World
- By: Riddleland
- Narrated by: Anthony J Santora
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Have you ever made pivotal decisions that changed your life? At least 55 points have happened in world history where a single decision has caused the world to pivot in a different direction. It may have been a war, an invention, or an idea. This audiobook covers historic events that changed the world. These are events that changed the world so much, that the world could never go back to the way it was. Each story is written to encourage kids and adults to be curious and be inspired to create.
By: Riddleland
-
Interesting Facts for Curious Minds
- 1572 Random but Mind-Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture and Everything in Between
- By: Jordan Moore
- Narrated by: Robin LaRose
- Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Interesting Facts For Curious Minds gives you the answer to all these and many, many more questions that I know have crossed your mind from time to time. This book is divided into 63 chapters by topic for your convenience, bringing you a nice mix of science, history, pop culture, and all sorts of stuff in between. Each chapter contains 25 concise yet engaging factoids that are sure to make you think and at times laugh.
-
-
Very good
- By Cycleash on 12-28-22
By: Jordan Moore
-
Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
- By: Janet Pascal
- Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau
- Length: 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Born to a family of farmers, Lincoln stood out from an early age - literally! (He was six feet four inches tall.) As 16th president of the United States, he guided the nation through the Civil War and saw the abolition of slavery. But Lincoln was tragically shot one night at Ford’s Theater - the first president to be assassinated.
-
-
That I didn’t know many details about Lincoln
- By Barbara I Larrivee on 02-11-24
By: Janet Pascal
-
What If? 2
- Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
- By: Randall Munroe
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The millions of people around the world who loved What If? still have questions, and those questions are getting stranger. Thank goodness xkcd creator Randall Munroe is here to help. Planning to ride a fire pole from the Moon back to Earth? The hardest part is sticking the landing. Hoping to cool the atmosphere by opening everyone’s freezer door at the same time? Maybe it’s time for a brief introduction to thermodynamics. Want to know what would happen if you rode a helicopter blade, made a lava lamp out of lava, or jumped on an erupting geyser? Okay, if you insist.
-
-
Interesting book, horrible narrator
- By Peter on 02-18-24
By: Randall Munroe
-
The Secret Lake
- By: Karen Inglis
- Narrated by: Karen Inglis
- Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Stella and her younger brother, Tom, move to their new London home, they become mystified by the disappearances of Harry, their elderly neighbor's small dog. Where does he go? And why does he keep reappearing wet-through? Their quest to solve the riddle over the summer holidays leads to a boat buried under a grassy mound, and a tunnel that takes them to a secret lake.
-
-
I love this book
- By Amazon Customer on 03-24-21
By: Karen Inglis
-
The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition)
- The True Story of a Heroic Sea Rescue (The True Rescue Series, Book 1)
- By: Michael J. Tougias, Casey Sherman
- Narrated by: Alex Boyles
- Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the night of February 18, 1952, during one of the worst winter storms that New England has ever seen, two oil tankers just off the shore of Cape Cod were torn in half by the force of the storm. This middle-grade adaptation of an adult nonfiction book tells the story of the shipwreck and a harrowing Coast Guard rescue when four men in a tiny lifeboat overcame insurmountable odds and saved more than thirty stranded sailors.
By: Michael J. Tougias, and others
-
Amazingly Amusing A-Z Animal Facts for Kids (and Their Adults!)
- Wildlife Biology with a Humorous Twist!
- By: the Bonkers Biologist
- Narrated by: Hilary Buuck
- Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There are 1.371 million animal species on Earth, each with their own quirky characteristics. Keep listening to learn some bonkers and hysterical facts about a few of them! People won't protect things they don't love. People won't love things they don't know. Here's your kid's chance to get to know some awesome, amazing, and amusing animals! The world around us is fascinating, as is the wildlife in it. My goal is to inspire a love and respect for this planet that'll make the next generation socially and environmentally conscious and motivate them to protect the earth.
-
-
Very Fun
- By Tom on 05-03-22
-
Gulp
- Adventures on the Alimentary Canal
- By: Mary Roach
- Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
- Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Best-selling author Mary Roach returns with a new adventure to the invisible realm we carry around inside. Roach takes us down the hatch on an unforgettable tour. The alimentary canal is classic Mary Roach terrain: The questions explored in Gulp are as taboo, in their way, as the cadavers in Stiff and every bit as surreal as the universe of zero gravity explored in Packing for Mars. Why is crunchy food so appealing? Why is it so hard to find words for flavors and smells? Why doesn’t the stomach digest itself? How much can you eat before your stomach bursts?
-
-
Funtastic Voyage
- By Mel on 04-05-13
By: Mary Roach
-
The Disappearing Spoon: Young Listeners Edition
- By: Sam Kean
- Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
- Length: 5 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The periodic table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, greed, betrayal, and obsession. The fascinating tales in The Disappearing Spoon follow elements on the table as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, conflict, the arts, medicine, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them.
-
-
Great stories for science lovers!
- By Emmilie on 09-22-20
By: Sam Kean
-
Cooked
- A Natural History of Transformation
- By: Michael Pollan
- Narrated by: Michael Pollan
- Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Cooked, Pollan discovers the enduring power of the four classical elements - fire, water, air, and earth - to transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink. Apprenticing himself to a succession of culinary masters, Pollan learns how to grill with fire, cook with liquid, bake bread, and ferment everything from cheese to beer. Each section of Cooked tracks Pollan’s effort to master a single classic recipe using one of the four elements.
-
-
A bit bland
- By Mark on 12-12-14
By: Michael Pollan
-
The Forgotten Horse
- Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids, Book 1
- By: Elaine Heney
- Narrated by: Lauren Henry
- Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a mysterious grey pony called Ozzie appears in the paddock by her home, 12-year-old Clodagh's life is about to change dramatically. Charged with caring for him by the local manor's owner, she quickly befriends him. But what will happen when his absent owner unexpectedly reappears and sells him to a riding school with a very bad reputation? Can Clodagh save her new pony friend? Or does she have to say goodbye to Ozzie forever? Join Clodagh and Ozzie in their very first adventure to find out!
-
-
That the Clota was pleased in the end. Liked the horse descriptives.
- By Anonymous User on 01-01-24
By: Elaine Heney
-
Minecraft: The Island (Narrated by Jack Black)
- An Official Minecraft Novel
- By: Max Brooks
- Narrated by: Jack Black
- Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first official Minecraft novel! In the tradition of iconic adventures like Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island, the number one New York Times best-selling author of World War Z tells the story of a hero - stranded in the world of Minecraft - who must unravel the secrets of a mysterious island in order to survive.
-
-
Max Brooks and Jack Black does it get any better..
- By Dave Norris on 07-22-17
By: Max Brooks
-
Extra Virginity
- The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil
- By: Tom Mueller
- Narrated by: Peter Ganim
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For millennia, fresh olive oil has been a necessity - for food, medicine, beauty, and religion. Today's researchers continue to confirm the remarkable, life-giving properties of true extra-virgin, and "extra-virgin Italian" has become the highest standard of quality. But what if this symbol of purity has become deeply corrupt?
-
-
Great subject, sad story
- By Robert on 12-26-12
By: Tom Mueller
-
Truffle Boy
- My Unexpected Journey Through the Exotic Food Underground
- By: Ian Purkayastha, Kevin West
- Narrated by: Will Collyer
- Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ian Purkayastha is New York City's leading truffle importer and boasts a devoted clientele of top chefs nationwide, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, David Chang, Sean Brock, and David Bouley. But before he was purveying the world's most expensive fungus to the country's most esteemed chefs, Ian was just a food-obsessed teenager in rural Arkansas - a misfit with a peculiar fascination for rare and exotic ingredients. The son of an Indian immigrant father and a Texan mother, Ian learned to forage for wild mushrooms from an uncle in the Ozark hills.
-
-
Great Book
- By Anonymous User on 10-29-18
By: Ian Purkayastha, and others
-
Zero Waste Home
- The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste
- By: Bea Johnson
- Narrated by: Henrietta Meire
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Zero Waste Home, Bea Johnson shares the story of how she simplified her life by reducing her waste. Today, Bea, her husband, Scott, and their two young sons produce just one quart of garbage a year, and their overall quality of life has changed for the better. They now have more time together, they've cut their annual spending by a remarkable 40 percent, and they are healthier than they've ever been.
-
-
Not so modest living.
- By Anonymous User on 10-02-18
By: Bea Johnson
-
The Fun Knowledge Encyclopedia
- The Crazy Stories Behind the World's Most Interesting Facts - Trivia Bill's General Knowledge, Volume 1
- By: Bill O'Neill
- Narrated by: Rob Maxwell
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you the trivia buff in your friend group? Maybe you're just always hoping to learn more random facts to keep up your sleeve. Whether you're a regular trivia fanatic or someone looking for a fun audiobook to listen to, this audiobook goes beyond the scope of general knowledge into some of the most interesting facts and intriguing trivia tidbits out there.
-
-
this book is awesome!
- By TinkerMel on 09-27-17
By: Bill O'Neill
-
The Brewer's Tale
- A History of the World According to Beer
- By: William Bostwick
- Narrated by: Christopher Sutton
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Brewer's Tale is a beer-filled journey into the past: the story of brewers gone by and one brave writer's quest to bring them - and their ancient, forgotten beers - back to life, one taste at a time. This is the story of the world according to beer, a toast to flavors born of necessity and place - in Belgian monasteries, rundown farmhouses, and the basement nanobrewery next door. So pull up a barstool and raise a glass to 5,000 years of fermented magic.
-
-
Good insights!
- By Michael on 03-08-16
By: William Bostwick
What listeners say about Epic Stories for Kids and Family: Accidental Discoveries That Changed Our World
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jameson
- 03-25-25
Cool Accidents....Great Inventions
This book was so fun! I loved learning how stuff like Pepsi and toothpaste tubes got invented by accident. My favorite story was the one about pink lemonade—it made me laugh because it happened by mistake. The stories taught me that making mistakes can actually be good sometimes. Kids who like interesting facts will really like it too!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Joseph Mendoza
- 03-20-25
Accidental things to learn
Learning about the accidental discovery was interesting, as It never occurred to me. There are many things in life that we don’t know, so it's beneficial to learn about them to prevent ourselves from getting into an accident and learn how to prevent it in the first place, thereby reducing the chances of death. The author provides a notable example: when we drop something, it serves as a reminder not to repeat the action or recognize the importance of something that can harm us in various ways. Fifty-five everyday themes were invented by accident; to me, it’s a learning experience as people strive to make our lives easier. I love this audiobook.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Daniel S
- 03-28-25
Perfect for Families!
I got this to read with my kids before bed, and they were totally into it. Every story led to a bunch of questions, which turned into fun little conversations. I liked that it wasn’t just random facts—it actually got them thinking. Even I learned a few things I didn’t know! It’s a fun way to sneak in learning without it feeling like school. We’ve already read through it twice and they still love it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cameron David
- 10-31-24
fascinating and family-friendly!
The book dives into amazing stories behind everyday inventions, showing just how curious minds and lucky accidents have shaped our world. Each story is designed to spark curiosity, and we often end up looking up more about each invention together. It's also an excellent conversation starter and gives kids a new appreciation for the objects around them. This book is perfect for road trips, bedtime stories, or just rainy afternoons. I'd highly recommend it for any family looking to add a dose of wonder and learning to their lives!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- KC
- 02-13-25
The Accidental Origins of Everyday Inventions
Have you ever wondered how everyday things came into being? This book reveals the fascinating, often unexpected accidental discovery of 55 things discovered by chance. These inventions were never planned but occurred through unexpected events, ranging from Pepsi to safety pins. This book, through its vibrant illustrations and engaging stories, stimulates children and adults to cultivate curiosity, creative thinking, and problem-solving. It's a reminder that even mistakes can lead to amazing discoveries. Perfect for anyone who loves to learn about the world in a fun and inspirational way!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- vic
- 04-04-24
Interesting Trivia
Lots of great facts about how somethings were discovered. The narrator is great, very upbeat. Great for kids or anyone who likes interesting and true stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dr. Ron
- 02-02-25
Fun, Educational, and Full of Surprises!
This auiobook is packed with fascinating stories about everyday inventions that were discovered completely by accident. It’s a fun and engaging listen, perfect for kids and adults who love learning about history and creativity. The short, easy-to-follow stories make it great for family time or even road trips. The best part? It inspires curiosity and shows that even mistakes can lead to incredible discoveries. Definitely a must-have for young inventors and curious minds!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!