A Stinky History of Toilets: Flush with Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries

Ages 5 to 8

A humorous visual history of toilets from professors Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle

You sit on it every day, but how much do you really know about your toilet? Authors Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle have scoured the toilet bowls and sewers of the world to find out how humans have done their business throughout history. Prepare to be revolted by a fossilized Viking turd discovered by archaeologists, the Mongol catapult used to fling smelly poop at their enemies, and the reason ancient Romans used pee to wash their clothes!

Filled with poop facts and vomit-inducing stats, you will also learn how diseases like cholera spread through bad sanitation, why some of the earliest toilets had a tendency to explode, and how medieval kings and queens had special helpers to wipe their bums. It’s a history book like no other!

A Neon Squid Book

About the Author

Olivia Meikle and Katie Nelson are professors, podcasters—and sisters! Together they host the popular What’sHerName history podcast and teach history (Katie) and women’s Studies (Olivia) on opposite sides of the Rocky Mountains. They previously wrote The Book of Sisters for Neon Squid.

Ella Kasperowicz, AKA Ellastrated, is a UK-based illustrator. She creates playful, relatable, and modern information illustrations inspired by travel, mental health, and friendship.