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.
