Poop

Monday, March 17, 2008 Posted by Lori Calabrese

Poop: A Natural History of the Unmentionable (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards)) by Nicola Davies (author), Neal Layton (illustrator); Candlewick, 2004--Ages 9-12

Children's books are meant to be fun, entertaining, and educational. When people hear educational, they don't think fun and entertaining. However, you need to be creative in introducing subjects to children, so what other way than a book on poop? If this isn't proof that there are books out on everything, then I don't know what is! Poop- it's such a simple four letter word, but it will spark up laughter for any kid and kid at heart, so why not present the smelly subject in a way that they can learn? After all, it is biology! This book teaches kids all about poop. Why do animals defecate? How is it made? What's in it? Where can animal poop be found? Did you know that whale poop looks like "giant blobs of strawberry ice cream breaking up in the water?" Makes you want to run out and grab that strawberry sundae you were craving, right? Davies even describes that people can build houses with it and use it for fuel! The text is humorous, but is full of facts, and the cartoons make the book fun. Just looking at the cover will have you thinking of the circus! In case you needed to know more, there's even a 'poop facts' section at the end.

Now, who says that nonfiction is boring?

Other interesting books on poop: (I can't believe I just said that!)

The Truth About Poop by Susan Goodman, illustrated by Elwood H. Smith.

The Scoop on Poop by Wayne Lynch.

The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts (My Body Science) (My Body Science)

Okay, it might not be poop, but it's closely related and ties in with teaching children about bodily functions. What I find funny is that when one thinks of this smelly subject, elephants are the animal of choice! Just look at the covers.