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| Potty Books by Dawn Babb Prochovnic and Jacob Souva |
But wait, isn't WORLD TOILET DAY serious business? It sure is. According to UN-Water (the UN's coordination mechanism on water and sanitation), World Toilet Day, originated by the World Toilet Organization and observed November 19 each year, "is about inspiring action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and reach the 3.4 billion people still living without safely managed sanitation." This year's theme is "Sanitation in a Changing World," with the tagline, "We'll always need the toilet.
You can find educational and promotional materials for this year's observance of World Toilet Day on the UN-Water website. A few years back I did a comprehensive round-up of World Toilet Day resources, including other organizations who are working hard to address global water sanitation issues.
I've also previously written about some of my misgivings about writing silly books in a such a serious world (you can find those earlier posts here and here). In the end, I've come to embrace the importance of humor, especially in children's books, even in (especially in) these trying times. Igniting a child's desire to read is serious business, and kids like funny books.
So I lean into goofiness when I share my potty-humor books with young readers. For the Cowgirl Pirate Potty Party at BOLD Coffee & Books on Small Business Saturday, we'll read my silly stories, Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? (both illustrated by Jacob Souva); learn some fun potty puns; shake our booties in a playful potty dance; and flush my beloved audible toy toilet. I will of course encourage participants to purchase autographed books to help support the intent of Small Business Saturday and the indie bookstore that's hosting me, and I'm encouraging donations of packaged underwear and diapers to help folks in our community while we gather together and laugh until we wet our pants!
(If you want a full run-down of ideas for your own potty-themed story time, you can find a lesson plan here, complete with silly songs, dances, sign language, and book pairings. You can find links to MANY other resources here (you definitely don't want to miss what I've included on my potty-humor-themed Pinterest page!)
See you on the silly side!
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The Writing Life is an occasional feature of Dawn Babb Prochovnic's blog. Dawn is the author of over 20 books for young readers and the proud recipient of the esteemed “Pleasure Reading Award” (her most memorable 5th grade achievement). She has devoted her life’s work to initiatives that support literacy and the literary arts, including early literacy enrichment programs; school author visits; writing workshops; and her educational blog. Dawn’s work has been short-listed for the Oregon Book Award; she was named an Oregon Library Supporter of the Year for her library advocacy efforts; and she received the Walt Morey Award in recognition of significant contributions that have enriched Oregon’s young readers. Contact Dawn using the form at the left, or learn more at www.dawnprochovnic.com.
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