The Horn Book Guide

TECHNOLOGY

Rubin, Susan Goldman

Toilets, Toasters and Telephones: The How and Why of Everyday Objects

132 pp. October, 1998 | Trade ISBN 0-15-201421-7 $$20.00

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Elsa Warnick. Photographs by Elsa Warnick. In addition to the three objects mentioned in the title, the lively text discusses the history and development of many familiar conveniences from refrigerators to paper clips. The book is readable, with solid grounding in research, and the appeal of the amusing trivia is well supported by the historical underpinnings. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations accompany the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 1999