Have you ever wondered who invented the dishwasher? Read my review and you'll find out!
REVIEW of Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine
Josephine puts on an apron and goes to work. But,
Stuck at the sink washing dirty plates, Josephine's fingers weren't free to tickle the ivories at the piano. Or pick her favorite flowers....or even scratch the furry ears of her beloved hounds! (Isn't that a clever way of showing Josephine's interests?)
So, she decided to find a way to get her dinnerware clean without dings and nicks.
She pondered.
She sketched
She tinkered.
....
She measured saucers and soup bowls, calculating how big her contraption would be.
She used pliers and wires, shaping metal baskets to hold plates, glasses, and spoons.
(Did you notice the alliteration and the internal rhyme?)
Despite the grief and financial worries after her husband died, Josephine and George tested and tinkered and pushed and persevered until she was satisfied.
Josephine submitted a patent application and waited a year. In December 1885 she was awarded a patent for her dish-washing machine!
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| https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/ill-do-it-myself |
Josephine's next obstacle was to find investors who would help build her business. She took her machine to the 1893 Columbian Exposition and she took home the highest prize!
She found financial backers and orders poured in from hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals.
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| https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/ill-do-it-myself |
I love how this book comes full circle, mirroring Josephine's initial dreams--and how the illustrator gave Josephine a special place--on the front of a lovely teacup.
This STEM book is a great curriculum resource for K-3rd grade as an aid in discussing inventions, women's history, and the industrial revolution. For more backstory on why Kate Hannigan picked Josephine's story, see Beth Anderson's blog. For more information about Josephine's patent process, go here.
How would you like to own this dish-washing machine?
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| https://kidsdiscover.com/quick-reads/meet-the-woman-who-invented-the-automatic-dishwasher/ |
16 comments:
Dear Carol,
I was my Mother's personal dishwashing machine! I did love it when the invention of the dishwasher made my life easier!
Thanks for sharing so many wonderful books with us.
I enjoyed winning a copy a few weeks ago. Please let someone else win this book. Do not add me to your list.
Love, Joan
Ah yes! Dishwashing (and drying) was an event (or something to try and avoid). Thanks for stopping by, Joan.
I love books that make history interesting. My name is Jenna and I am an elementary librarian.
I loved your review and look forward to reading the entire book. I knew it! It had to be a woman who had the idea, solved the problem and invented the dishwasher. I look forward to sharing this with my foster children--who will be amazed there was a time 'before' the automatic dishwasher.
Thanks, Barbara, I can hear your voice in your comment! Jenna--welcome to my blog. I hope you decide to subscribe. I have LOTS of giveaways that you would like. Your names go into the hat!
I didn’t know a woman invented the dishwasher. Good for her! I remember moving to Missouri when I was 10 years old and the first time we had a dishwasher. Even though my sister and I were her “dishwashers,” my mother said it was favorite thing about our new house. Children should know about this inventor and how she solved a problem that helped millions of people, especially women.
Agreed, Amy!!
I was amazed to read how long ago the dishwasher was invented! Sounds like a beautiful, lyrical story.
Oh, this book looks wonderful! My twins love picture books about inventors and inventions! Look forward to reading this one!
Thanks Kim and Zach. You're both in the hat!
This book sounds great.
Sherry Snyder
sarayenta@aol.com
This machine definitely has made my life so much easier. I agree with you, Carol--that text was a clever way to show her hobbies and interests. Thank you for sharing with one of us!
What a great invention, fantastic book, and wonderful review!! I love how you pointed out internal rhyme and alliteration, as well as highlighted many other high points. Great work!
Thanks Danielle, Marci, and Sheri S for leaving comments. I think this book has hit the proverbial women's nerve!
This looks wonderful! I did not know a woman invented the dishwasher either, but I am not surprised! Would love to read this to my nieces and then my grandson someday. Thanks for telling us about this book.
Ha, ha, Stephanie. Of course it would be a woman! thanks for leaving a comment.
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