Get the Scoop on Animal Poop!

Gr 3–6—With its glossy full-color illustrations and bubbly conspiratorial tone (that always seems to be saying, "Isn't poo icky? Don't tell the grownups!"), this loosely organized collection of scatological facts will appeal to the gross-out instincts of young readers. The pleasing graphic design and the scattering of items on each page give the book a hyperlinked feel; unfortunately, that also means lost opportunities for connections and context, and more complicated concepts going unexplained. Some attempts are made to provide cross-references to other items in the book; however that space might have been better used to clarify the text instead. Topics covered include digestive systems of various animals, parasites, animals that eat feces, and bathroom habits. Back matter includes a guide to identify types of animal feces, a "poo interview" with a veterinarian, activity ideas, a glossary and reading list (adults may be taken aback to find Matt Pagett's What Shat That?? among the titles recommended), a subject index, and an index by organism.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD