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Washday
Lizzie sets aside her plans for a tea party and helps Grandma do the wash, in a time long before there were electric washers and dryers. The satisfaction of a job well done, an unexpected guest, and a loving gesture make Lizzie's washday just about perfect.
33 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Eve Bunting
314 books411 followersAlso known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 22, 2019
I do have to say that I find it rather problematic and also pretty sad and indeed even a bit silly that some of the more negative reviews I have read online regarding Eve Bunting’s 2014 Washday picture book seem to somehow insinuate that because in contemporary, that because in today’s North America (and actually in much of the modern world) laundry is no longer done by hand but by electric and ever more technically advanced washing machines and dryers, children should somehow not even be reading about this as it supposedly would be neither of interest to them nor even in any manner necessary and required information. However, for one, it is in my opinion and indeed very important (as well educational) for children to be made aware of how labour intensive doing laundry in particular used to be in bygone times (that laundry generally took the whole and entire day and involved much physically intensive labour, and that it also needed to be a day with no inclement weather in the forecast, as post washing, the now clean clothes and sheets would of course also need to be dried outside on a clothesline, or spread on the grass or on hedges to dry and be bleached by the sun). And for two (and while Washday of course takes place in the American past, in the late 19th century to be exact), I also believe that it is equally important to additionally point out to children that even today, in many less developed areas of the world, women and girls still often must wash their family’s clothes etc. by hand and very much in the same manner as is depicted and demonstrated in Washday, that yes indeed, even now, not everyone has access to modern and technologically advanced laundry facilities.
Now the story of Washday, aside from demonstrating a typical laundry day in the actually not really yet so distant past, is also just a sweet and tender little family tale. I love how even though Lizzie is a bit sad that she cannot have her doll’s teatime party with her best friend, since her grandmother needs her support with the washing, Lizzie nevertheless willingly and without much complaint, with no real grumbling, helps her grandmother with the laundry and is then rewarded for her hard work with a very special surprise, with a tea party for her best friend Lucy and her (and of course their dolls), and not in the barn, but in grandma’s parlour.
Four stars for Washday, for the delightful combination of Eve Bunting’s sweetly engaging as well as very much historically informative narrative and Brad Sneed’s descriptively glowing, realistic accompanying illustrations. And the only reason why I have not considered five stars for Washday is that I aesthetically do think that in particular young Lizzie’s facial features as they are drawn by Brad Sneed (and in particular her eyes) appear a bit exaggerated, which I find kind of strange and a trifle off-putting, especially since both Lizzie’s grandmother and her best friend Lucy appear as much more naturalistic and unexaggerated with regard to their facial expressions.
Now the story of Washday, aside from demonstrating a typical laundry day in the actually not really yet so distant past, is also just a sweet and tender little family tale. I love how even though Lizzie is a bit sad that she cannot have her doll’s teatime party with her best friend, since her grandmother needs her support with the washing, Lizzie nevertheless willingly and without much complaint, with no real grumbling, helps her grandmother with the laundry and is then rewarded for her hard work with a very special surprise, with a tea party for her best friend Lucy and her (and of course their dolls), and not in the barn, but in grandma’s parlour.
Four stars for Washday, for the delightful combination of Eve Bunting’s sweetly engaging as well as very much historically informative narrative and Brad Sneed’s descriptively glowing, realistic accompanying illustrations. And the only reason why I have not considered five stars for Washday is that I aesthetically do think that in particular young Lizzie’s facial features as they are drawn by Brad Sneed (and in particular her eyes) appear a bit exaggerated, which I find kind of strange and a trifle off-putting, especially since both Lizzie’s grandmother and her best friend Lucy appear as much more naturalistic and unexaggerated with regard to their facial expressions.
November 13, 2019
Loved this. I think it's important to show our children how everyday chores used to get done—and then we can talk about how grateful we are for our washing machine (I am!).
April 27, 2015
A 5th grader told me the other day, before I read this book that he wished there were no electronics! I contemplated that thought for a moment before I spoke. I asked him if he liked his clean designer clothes, he did. I asked him if he did his own laundry, he did. Then I asked him if he knew what a washboard was? no he didn't. I said he wouldn't have his designer clothing, Nike shoes, or hoodie if we didn't have electronics. He would have to wash his clothes the way Eve Bunting does in this book, he changed his mind.
Like it says, "I am happy but choked up, the way I get when something is too nice to hold inside." This book is one of those things that bring back happy memories my mama told me of when she was a kid. It makes me think of my Nana, her grandmother, and how she raised 12 children in a backwater sharecroppers farm before leaving it all behind for California. She scrubbed the floors on hands and knees in law offices downtown. She raised the last two of her children on this meager salary. My Great Uncle Bill grew up to become a lawyer. This books is wonderfully sweet and memorable.
Way to go Ms. Bunting!
Like it says, "I am happy but choked up, the way I get when something is too nice to hold inside." This book is one of those things that bring back happy memories my mama told me of when she was a kid. It makes me think of my Nana, her grandmother, and how she raised 12 children in a backwater sharecroppers farm before leaving it all behind for California. She scrubbed the floors on hands and knees in law offices downtown. She raised the last two of her children on this meager salary. My Great Uncle Bill grew up to become a lawyer. This books is wonderfully sweet and memorable.
Way to go Ms. Bunting!
October 16, 2017
Sweet story which includes lost Homemaking arts.
July 13, 2014
One Saturday morning in 1889, Lizzie and her doll walk to Grandma's house to help with washing. Together they boil the water, separate the clothes by color, and wash them using homemade lye soap. Once they have finished, they have a sense of accomplishment and are finally able to relax.
Reading this book was not only an interesting endeavor, but it also helped me have a huge appreciation for modern conveniences such as washers and dryers. I will try not to complain about doing laundry again. (Emphasis on "try.") Although this book is historical, Lizzie is a very relatable character, as she yearns to go play instead of doing chores, yet she feels a very natural sense of pride when the job is done. The lovely illustrations make a good accompaniment to the text.
Reading this book was not only an interesting endeavor, but it also helped me have a huge appreciation for modern conveniences such as washers and dryers. I will try not to complain about doing laundry again. (Emphasis on "try.") Although this book is historical, Lizzie is a very relatable character, as she yearns to go play instead of doing chores, yet she feels a very natural sense of pride when the job is done. The lovely illustrations make a good accompaniment to the text.
March 2, 2014
Soft pastel watercolor illustrations accompany this warm story of a young girl in 1889 who spends the day washing clothes with her grandmother. Back then this truly was a daylong chore as they heated the water, shaved the soap, sorted the clothes then washed, wrung out, and hung them to dry. It's hard work, but better shared, and it ends with a chance for play. This is a sweet slice-of-life story, beautifully told with rich language and beautiful sensory details.
September 28, 2014
Illustrations represent the time period and the actual way clothes washing was done very well. That said the title will see limited use as barely anyone living is familiar with the way doing laundry is depicted here. Picture book format implies to most people for use by young children and the young will not find a way to relate to this title. Perhaps those who might be interested are senior citizen, those in the 85 and over range as they may remember this laundry method.
March 24, 2018
Adorable old-fashioned book. A young girl is pulled away from her tea party with her doll and neighbor friend because her grandmother needs help on wash day. She works hard and helps her all day. Her grandma surprises her when her friend comes over to grandma's house to have their tea party after all.
February 19, 2014
Makes you appreciate electric washers and dryers.
July 13, 2016
Loved it! Great companion to studies of turn of the century American life.
March 18, 2023
Loved this book! Reminded my of washing with my grandmother!
February 19, 2014
The author was inspired to write this story after finding a set of washing instructions dating back to the days before electric washers and dryers. Lizzie would rather be having a tea party with her best friend and their dolls, but she makes her way over to her grandma's house to help with the wash. She works hard all the while daydreaming of the tea party and when all the work's finished Grandma surprises her with her heart's desire.
A bit long for a read aloud, but a good look at life and chores before modern conveniences. Pencil and watercolor artwork. PreK-2.
A bit long for a read aloud, but a good look at life and chores before modern conveniences. Pencil and watercolor artwork. PreK-2.
August 4, 2014
Great text to look at setting - how Lizzie and Grandma interact, and as a challenge - how the setting shapes their interactions; kids can also work to tease out the steps in the washing process (explicit info) and infer what each of those steps was like (implicit info)
October 14, 2014
This book is a little long for a younger storytime read-aloud, but since the story describes through words and pictures how clothes were washed prior to the invention of the washer/dryer ,I can see this book being read in a classroom during a social studies unit.
December 12, 2014
Set in the 1880's, Washday captures the bonding between a girl and her grandmother as they do the laundry. The soft pencil and color wash illustrations are a nice nod to this era. Washday is a great historical fiction picture book.
April 4, 2018
3.5 stars
A little girl helps her grandmother do laundry on washday. Afterwards Grandma surprises her with something special. Then there's a dog somewhere in the mix. A cute story with interesting illustrations.
A little girl helps her grandmother do laundry on washday. Afterwards Grandma surprises her with something special. Then there's a dog somewhere in the mix. A cute story with interesting illustrations.
February 26, 2014
Great book by beloved author Eve Bunting. Gives insight into the washing process in the past without being so full of facts to turn kids off.
July 26, 2016
Simple story, not very involved. Nice art.
August 27, 2014
this is sweet, perfect for sharing between a grandmother and granddaughter.
September 4, 2014
Found this one when reading books for our pioneer night. Beautifully written and wonderful illustrations.
January 31, 2015
Two things I like about this book are the way it illuminates an old chore, and also the delicate faded quality of the watercolors that move the story along.
January 1, 2017
Great to read during a tea party! Cute book.
August 21, 2023
When a story about Washday is set in 1889, you know this book will deliver an unusual, thought-provoking perspective. At least, thought provoking when the author is the great Eve Bunting.
Lizzie and Grandma set to work. Sure, it's work. Back then, laundry work takes an entire day. Sure, "There's a smell of lye soap." (Ouchee!)
As for Lizzie's dream of having a special tea party in the barn, rather than doing all that hard work? The happy ending is different from what she imagined, yet happy it is.
FIVE STARS for a history lesson with a very authentic feel. Hard to do, yet author Even Bunting and illustrator Brad Sneed manage this very difficult creation. In "Washday" they draw us into a story about two very relatable people, living in a believable world, although set historically over a hundred years ago.
Lizzie and Grandma set to work. Sure, it's work. Back then, laundry work takes an entire day. Sure, "There's a smell of lye soap." (Ouchee!)
As for Lizzie's dream of having a special tea party in the barn, rather than doing all that hard work? The happy ending is different from what she imagined, yet happy it is.
FIVE STARS for a history lesson with a very authentic feel. Hard to do, yet author Even Bunting and illustrator Brad Sneed manage this very difficult creation. In "Washday" they draw us into a story about two very relatable people, living in a believable world, although set historically over a hundred years ago.
September 22, 2022
Red-flag - it said the girl doll was good because she was good-natured 🚩
I mean, that’s a red flag for me, since most women are taken advantaged of because they feel obligated to be good natured / polite / obedient, which this book praises.
On the bright side, it shows how labor intensive laundry can be back in ye old times. One star for that. But it doesn’t have to do that through a patriarchal POV, so, there we go.
There’s a rager tea party at the end! Oh, and the doll can smile. I’m pretty sure it’s possessed, plus one star for that combo.
I mean, that’s a red flag for me, since most women are taken advantaged of because they feel obligated to be good natured / polite / obedient, which this book praises.
On the bright side, it shows how labor intensive laundry can be back in ye old times. One star for that. But it doesn’t have to do that through a patriarchal POV, so, there we go.
There’s a rager tea party at the end! Oh, and the doll can smile. I’m pretty sure it’s possessed, plus one star for that combo.
September 11, 2022
Shows how love and family are even more appreciated by those who know how to work hard. I might have liked it more when my kids were young as I could have shared stories about some of the things I did at this girl's age. But child me and adult me are only mildly impressed. Illustrations esp. not to our own taste.
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July 10, 2020We really enjoyed getting a glimpse of what washing your clothes used to take. Also, the delayed gratification of missing her party (and getting a surprise from her grandmother at the end) made this a really nice read all around.
August 8, 2020
It's fascinating to read with kids about a time without the conveniences of modern appliances and the amount of planning and work it took to do the week's laundry. And great for kids to read about the sense of satisfaction one can get from finishing physical work.
March 17, 2021
Love it! Not many children’s books in this genre - a history lesson with illustrations! Great characters. The type of book that gives us all some perspective on our lives, the time we were born into, and encourages hard work and perseverance.
October 31, 2025
A girl gives up her tea party to help her grandmother was clothes. this is a detailed book about how clothes were washed 100 years ago. Sweet and wonderful family time. Later grandpa brings her friend and cookies.
August 27, 2021
I peek into the daily chore of doing laundry in the 1800s.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews