This book is a hybrid of fiction and non-fiction. It follows the eccentric Professor Dotty Dabble and her robot assistant, Digby, as they brainstorm ideas for a "Best Invention" competition. While Dotty’s ideas are "dotty" (like voice-activated socks that never get lost or a lawnmower-glider), Digby provides sidebars with the "real" history of everyday objects. Readers learn the true stories behind the ballpoint pen (Biro), sandwiches, Velcro, and paperclips. It perfectly balances wacky creativity with historical fact.