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 RUG; JACK 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.
24 comments:
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
Thanks, Joan. Your name starts the list!
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
Thanks for your comment, Barb. You're in the potty giveaway!
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
Ha, Ha, Emily!!! I'll put your name in twice. Thanks for commenting.
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!
What a book concept! Very funny and bound to be a hit with elementary kids. My grandson would love it.
Thanks, Joyce. you're in!
Oh I love this for the learning and fun!
Most definitely!!
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.
Thanks, Jennifer. I'd love to include you in the giveaway (two times!) but I need your email address.
Thanks, Mona. You're absolutely right!!
I know 3 kids who will find this hilarious!
I know that you do, Ally!!
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
This looks amazing. Would love to have it!
Well....I have some grandsons that would think this was hilarious and, hopefully, educational!
Thanks for entering me!
I bet you do, Susan!
YOur grandkids would like it, Gwen.
Yep, your grandkids would love it, Hewi!
Looks like a fun read!
Miss Quinn, I'd love to add your name to the giveaway list, but I need your email address.
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