Spic-and-span!: Lillian Gilbreth's Wonder Kitchen

(Paperback)

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Born into a life of privilege in 1878, Lillian Moller Gilbreth put her pampered life aside for one of adventure and challenge. She and her husband Frank became efficiency experts by studying the actions of factory workers. They ran their home efficiently, too. When Frank suddenly died, Lillian was left to raise their 11 children. Eventually, she was hired by the Brooklyn Borough Gas Company to improve kitchen design, which was only the beginning. Now in paperback, the sixth book in Tundra's Great Idea series about inventors that have changed our world.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR Spic-and-Span:

"This engaging picture-book biography details the many accomplishments of Lillian Gilbreth ... Kulling deftly describes early twentieth-century social, physical, and technical conditions that presented challenges to productivity in both public and private settings, and she explains how Gilbreth's innovations improved conditions, creating context so that young readers can appreciate the extent of her contributions. Parkins' rich, cartoon-like illustrations provide clear period detail, and his characters' faces portray an extensive range of emotions, adding interest and emphasizing Gilbreth's primary commitment to her family." - Booklist

"In Spic-and-Span, Monica Kulling tells Gilbreth's life story with warmth and clarity, and David Parkins' illustrations underscore the wit and humanity of this picture book biograpy." - The Boston Globe

"Perfect for National Women's History Month, this fascinating biography reveals the real woman behind the family hijinks in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen.... We owe to Lillian many of today's kitchen inventions and comforts." - Washington Parent

Author Bio

MONICA KULLING is a poet who has published over forty books for children, including picture books, adaptations of classic novels, and biographies. Known for introducing biography to children who are just learning to read, she has written about Harriet Tubman, Henry Ford, Houdini, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia Earhart, among others. Her award-winning Great Idea Series features biographies of inventors and their captivating inventions. She is also the author of the hilarious Merci Mister Dash! and Mister Dash and the Cupcake Calamity. Visit her website at www.monicakulling.ca. The author lives in Toronto, Ontario.