Author-illustrator David Macaulay has long been known for his “building” books: Castle, Cathedral, Mosque, and more. In 2012 he turned his considerable skills to a younger audience in this easy reader series by Macmillan, which this year includes a book on toilets. Readers will find out how a toilet flushes, as well as why humans need toilets, where their waste ends up, and how septic systems and sewers work. (Originally reviewed on Mackin Books in Bloom. On one hand, I really liked this book. It has important and interesting information, not only about toilets, but also about waste treatment. Macaulay does a wonderful job.On the other hand, I find I am questioning the format. This is written as an easy reader. The audience for an easy reader is usually a child who is learning how to read. Sentences are kept short and vocabulary is somewhat controlled to help these young readers. This book contains the shortened sentences, but does not have the easy vocabulary. Unless a child has a lot of background in the subject, a first or second grader (the usual readers of early readers) won't be able to handle the vocabulary without adult assistance (ie. bacteria, nutrients, intestine, processing - all within the first 4 pages of words). I think this book would be better in a nonfiction picture book format. That way teachers and/or parents will be reading it with younger children, and students in the middle elementary grades would not find it off-putting to read. It would also allow for longer sentence structure that would complement the higher leveled vocabulary.
What do You think about Toilet: How It Works (2013)?
How does a toilet really work? Funny easy reader with a very appropriate cover illustration.
—light
Good non fiction book for younger boys (or girls) who like gross stuff!
—Omaima
Combine with Underground by the same author.
—lyoyokie
