This story was in a Language Arts textbook in the mid 90s. Each page spread described a different imaginary, Rube Goldberg-esque, fantastical machine. In my memory of the illustrations, they were very surreal, beautiful and detailed, in the style of William Joyce or David Wiesner.
I wonder if it was one of the books illustrated by W Heath Robinson, the English equivalent of Rube Goldberg?
I had never heard of W Heath Robinson, what amazing work!!! The illustrated style of the book I remember is very different from this, though. Thanks so much, Kristen!