Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine

December 15, 2022
Josephine Cochrane saw a need and overcame obstacles to find a solution. She resented the time that was taken by the job of hand-washing stacks of dishes. Josephine's mantra became "There must be a better way!" and, stirred to create a device that would end this onerous task, she studied past attempts, sketched, measured, calculated, tinkered, and designed, and began building the hand-cranked machine with the aid of George Butters, a mechanic and, later, her business partner. Her husband's death called a halt for a long time as she slowly paid off debts. She then returned to her efforts and finally received a patent in 1886. Further difficulties ensued as Josephine attempted to start a manufacturing business, as investors would not back a woman. But when her dishwashing machine won first prize at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, she was on her way to great success supplying dishwashers to hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals, always improving with more patents. 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. Cochrane was White; some background characters are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A wonderfully realized introduction to a fascinating, long-overlooked woman. (author's note, copy of patent, notable women inventors, photos, timeline of fascinating inventions, sources, picture credits) (Informational picture book. 8-11)

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January 1, 2023
Grades 2-5 It was unusual in the late 1800s for a woman to become a patent holder or a businesswoman, but Josephine Cochrane was both. In Hannigan's narrative, after a dinner party, Cochrane took a critical look at her china: "Her cups were cracked! Her dishes were dinged! Her chowder bowl was chipped!" And she decided to invent a dish-washing machine. Researching an earlier dishwasher attempt and taking measurements of dishes, she designed a cylindrical frame and worked with a mechanic to perfect it. Her husband died, leaving her with little money, but she persevered and went into business, showing her machine at Chicago's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and selling her dishwashers to hotels and restaurants. Hannigan portrays Cochrane as a strong-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.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.