Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane's Bright Invention Makes a Splash

by Kate Hannigan (Author) Sarah Green (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Celebrate the inventor of the dishwasher in this inspiring STEM/STEAM picture book biography about Josephine Garis Cochrane, the brains behind one of the world's most-used kitchen appliances.

Many Americans have a dishwasher in their kitchen. But who invented it?

Meet Josephine Garis Cochrane: entrepreneur, innovator, girlboss. Washing dishes is a pain--it leaves Josephine's cups cracked, her dishes dinged, and her chowder bowls chipped. She'd rather be picking flowers, frosting cakes, or playing piano than dealing with cracked crockery. What to do about a chore that's icky, destructive, and time-consuming? Josephine tackles this task the modern way: she makes a machine to do it for her! She tinkers and tests, and perseveres through fizzles and flops--until she has a government patent for her invention, and there are whirring, whizzing, bubbling dishwashers making a splash across America.

This charming tale includes an author's note, a list of notable women inventors, a timeline of fascinating inventions, and a list of sources.

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus Reviews

A wonderfully realized introduction to a fascinating, long-overlooked woman.

Review quotes

"Though Cochrane's may not be a household name, Hannigan seeks to change that, presenting the events chronologically and factually, interspersing the narration with quotes and information about other inventors of the period, women included. Green's bright digital illustrations capture Josephine's determination and emotions and enhance the text with diagrams, sketches, and charming homey details, including dishes and tools floating by. A wonderfully realized introduction to a fascinating, long-overlooked woman." —Kirkus Reviews

"Hannigan portrays Cochrane as astrong-minded woman who succeeded despite legal and social constraints on women's actions, while Green's colorful digital illustrations provide appropriate character portrayals, period settings, and clothing for the story. The informative back matter offers introductions to 16 other women inventors as well as more information on Cochrane and her company. A picture book celebrating a little-known inventor."—Booklist
Kate Hannigan
Chicago children's author Kate Hannigan writes fiction and nonfiction for young readers. A former newspaper journalist, she is the author of numerous children's books, including A Lady Has the Floor and Nellie vs. Elizabeth.

Sarah Green is a RISD-educated illustrator and designer from San Francisco. She is the illustrator of numerous picture books, including Fight of the Century by Barb Rosenstock and Born Hungry by Alex Prud'homme.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781635926217
Lexile Measure
810
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Calkins Creek Books
Publication date
March 20, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF025200 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/19th Century
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
JNF061010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Inventions
Library of Congress categories
History
United States
Women inventors
Dishwashing machines
Cochrane, Josephine Garis

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