Home › Books for Ages 4–8 › The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem

The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem

by Colleen Paeff

A Victorian engineering answer to a polluted river

Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

    Named a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A Victorian engineering answer to a polluted river

Set in London in 1858, the book introduces Joseph Bazalgette’s effort to address the pollution in the Thames through a new sewer system. The historical account connects the river’s contamination with recurring cholera outbreaks and frames the sewer project as an example of engineering applied to a public problem. It also adds tips for preventing pollution today, linking Bazalgette’s work to present-day environmental action. The combination of a specific episode in London’s history, public health, and practical pollution advice gives the book several points of entry into science and history.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 interested in engineering and how cities work
  • Young readers curious about London history and public health
  • Children looking for ideas about preventing pollution

Themes

Urban sanitationEngineering and infrastructurePollution preventionPublic healthIndividual action

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book!

Discover the true story about the determined engineer who fixed London's pollution problem in this funny, accessible nonfiction picture book featuring engaging art from the illustrator of Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine.

It's the summer of 1858, and London's River Thames STINKS. What is creating this revolting smell? The answer is gross: the river is full of poop.

But the smell isn't the worst problem. Every few years, cholera breaks out, and thousands of people die. Could there be a connection between the foul water and the deadly disease?

One engineer dreams of making London a cleaner, healthier place. His name is Joseph Bazalgette. His grand plan to create a new sewer system to clean the river is an engineering marvel. And his sewers will save lives. Nothing stinky about that.

With tips for how to prevent pollution today, this fascinating look at science, history, and what one person can do to create change will impress and astound readers who want to help make their planet a cleaner, happier place to live.
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.