Spring 2026

Flush It Down

The Story of Sewers through Time

  • Interest Level: Grade 3 - Grade 6
  • Reading Level: Grade 4

Hold your nose and dive into the smelly but surprisingly fascinating world of sewers!

From the mighty Cloaca Maxima of Ancient Rome to the revolting, waste-filled streets of the Middle Ages, and on to the ingenious pipes and tunnels of Joseph Bazalgette’s Great London Sewer, this book uncovers the gross—and great—history of how humans have dealt with their dirty business.

With bright, hilarious, detail-packed illustrations by Rob Flowers, Flush It Down is packed with fun facts, weird tales, and thought-provoking discussions around the problems of human waste and how we can deal with the challenges facing us today. It’s a wild, wacky ride through the underground—no rubber boots required!—and an engaging tie-in to biology and natural sciences curriculums.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-80066-064-9
On pre-order until 05/05/2026
$19.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 3 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 4
Genre Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Browseable Nonfiction
Copyright 2026
Publisher Cicada Books
Imprint Cicada Books
Language English
Number of Pages 40
Publication Date 2026-05-05
Text Type Informational/Explanatory
BISACS JNF025000, JNF061010, JNF051190
Dimensions 9.1 x 11
Features Glossary, Introductory note, Original artwork, Sidebars, and Table of contents

Author, Illustrator: Rob Flowers

Rob Flowers is an illustrator, character designer, and director who channels his love of vintage toys, pop culture, and psychedelic colors into award-winning illustrations. His clients have included The New York Times and Nike, among others.