There really is a World Toilet Day, and it is today, November 19th. The mission here is to improve sanitation conditions for people around the world. (And yes, the choice of WTO was intentional). I learned this in The Big Necessity: the Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters, by Rose George, which I found when I was looking for something else entirely! Sanitation is a huge issue and the author traveled all over the world to see how different countries cope. In turns disgusting, sobering (and depressing that so little is being done), amusing, and interesting, this was an unexpected read. :-)

For a lighter look at this subject, read A Funeral in the Bathroom, poems by Kalli Dakos, pictures by Mark Beech. Short, to the point, and funny poems about what happens in an elementary school bathroom.

Here's something that not only fits the TP trail of this post, but would also fit nicely with the other arm chair tourist books I've mentioned: There's No Toilet Paper ... on the Road Less Traveled. The Best of Travel Humor and Misadventure, edited by Doug Lansky. These are tales of adventures, um, with a twist (in other words, something goes wrong).

County Reader reminded me of this one: Everyone Poops, by Taro Gomi (translated by Amanda Mayer Stinchecum). Now, I was sure I'd already used it in my blog, but it seems I haven't, so here it is! Reminding me a bit of a linefrom that old song "Birds do it, bees do it" (Cole Porter) this was just a nice kid's book explaining that every one or thing that eats, needs to poop.

Now here's an interesting history book: Poop Happened: A History of the World From the Bottom Up, by Sarah Albee. As soon as humans came together in groups, sanitation became a major problem. See how we coped over the ages. Interesting and revolting at the same time! ;-)

And lastly, a tween read: Death by Toilet Paper, by Donna Gephart. Times are tough, Benjamin and his mother are about to be evicted from their apartment. Benjamin wants to help, but he's just 15. Funny and painful (you couldn't pay me to be a teenager again!) with lots of fun trivia about toilet paper.

Reading Hermit With Dog