Monday, February 27, 2023

A HISTORY OF TOILET PAPER (AND OTHER POTTY TOOLS): A Review and Giveaway

 If this is not a title and cover that will grab your attention--I'm not sure what will!


Sophia Gholz is no stranger to my blog. I have reviewed BUG ON THE RUGJACK HORNER, DINOSAUR HUNTER; and THE BOY WHO GREW A FOREST. But I must say, A HISTORY OF TOILET PAPER (Running Press Kids, 2022) is different from all of her other books. The book includes facts that curious kids will love, humorous illustrations by Xiana Teimoy, and witty word play.

In the beginning, potty time meant the great outdoors, with stones and seashells, grass, moss, leaves, and water or snow. 

Technology advanced from there to,



Potty tools changed over time.

Sophia gathered all sorts of facts which will grab the interest of everyone from potty-training toddlers to their older brothers and sisters:

  • The Romans pottied in public and didn't mind sharing tesorium (bum brushes). 
  • A Chinese inventor, Cai Lun, created paper in the first century. But it took a thousand years before the imperial family figured it was not only good for writing documents, but also suitable for wiping one's rear end. 
  • The first flushing toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington. But,

(Did you catch the word play?)

  • Across the pond, colonists found that corn as well as the Farmer's Almanac were useful outhouse accessories.
  • Less than two hundred years ago, Joseph Gayetty's invention of medicated wipes were not well received. You could say they went down the drain
  • It wasn't until the close of the 19th century that perforated toilet paper became a common household item--courtesy Clarence and E. Irvin Scott brothers


In the end, Sophia Gholz concludes,

...whether you prefer your potty to be fancy, simple, shared, private, or in the great outdoors--or whether you have paper, grass, sticks, or water--when it's time to go, it's time to go.

                                                    ****

I bet if you watch this trailer with a child, she'll beg for the book. 


For the backstory about this clever and informative book (that includes Covid and toilet paper shortages), see Kathy Temean's interview with Sophia.

GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away a copy of this book through the April issue of Talking Story which is on Change. As you can see from the trailer and my review, there is a lot of historical change shown in this nonfiction picture book! Leave me a comment and I'll add your name to the giveaway list; the winner will be drawn in mid-April. If you're an educator you will have two chances, if you enter through Talking Story you'll also have two chances. U.S. postal addresses only.  If you are new to my blog, please make sure to include your email address!

24 comments:

Joan Y. Edwards said...

Dear Carol,
“A History of Toilet Paper
sounds like an amusing, factual book. It will intrigue adults as well as children. It would be fun to share.

Sincerely,
Joan

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Joan. Your name starts the list!

Barb Seregi said...

Yes, I’d like to put my ‘paper in the bowl.’ Haha. This sounds like a great book for my 2 year old grandson, Leo. He reads with his parents morning and night and would love this book. Especially since very interested in the potty right now, as he’s learning about it anyway. Thanks for the opportunity.
Barb Seregi

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for your comment, Barb. You're in the potty giveaway!

Emily Weitz said...

This book looks amazing and hilarious yet also while teaching all about the history of where toilet paper began!!! My children and students are surely bound to love this book. Lets hope the book doesn't get too wiped out.... :P

Carol Baldwin said...

Ha, Ha, Emily!!! I'll put your name in twice. Thanks for commenting.

mona said...

I was just thinking about all this when wiping butt the other day...Sears & Roebuck thick catalogues were used when the new ones came in the mail.
Sounds like a fun bit of history!

Joyce Moyer Hostetter said...

What a book concept! Very funny and bound to be a hit with elementary kids. My grandson would love it.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Joyce. you're in!

Glee Dunbar said...

Oh I love this for the learning and fun!

Glee Dunbar said...

Most definitely!!

Jennifer M said...

I am smiling thinking of all the students in my class that will enjoy reading this book. I can't wait to get a copy to share with them.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Jennifer. I'd love to include you in the giveaway (two times!) but I need your email address.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Mona. You're absolutely right!!

Ally M said...

I know 3 kids who will find this hilarious!

Carol Baldwin said...

I know that you do, Ally!!

Unknown said...

I love this book and I think my grands will laugh hysterically reading or hearing it. The illustrations are great too.
Thanks for sharing, Carol!
Hewi Mason

Storylady said...

This looks amazing. Would love to have it!

Susan said...

Well....I have some grandsons that would think this was hilarious and, hopefully, educational!

Thanks for entering me!

Carol Baldwin said...

I bet you do, Susan!

Carol Baldwin said...

YOur grandkids would like it, Gwen.

Carol Baldwin said...

Yep, your grandkids would love it, Hewi!

Miss Quinn said...

Looks like a fun read!

Carol Baldwin said...

Miss Quinn, I'd love to add your name to the giveaway list, but I need your email address.

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