The Clue is in the Poop

March 1, 2019

Gr 2-5-The catchy title will draw interest, maybe even unwanted guffaws, but there's more to this book than just poop facts. Children are encouraged to be observant detectives and look at everything they find on nature walks. Feces, feathers, footprints, nests, remains, pellets, eggs, and more are covered. Of course, the prospect of touching or tracking anything dangerous is discouraged. Readers are highly advised to use gloves, tweezers, baggies, and other tools to not only ensure their safety but to document their finds in a way that doesn't disturb. Wry jokes are made throughout, and even young students will get a chuckle. The pages are filled with soft, brown-toned watercolor illustrations with small groupings of text that explain the topic along with a slew of captions to add supplementary data on each page. The animals are drawn in a realistic fashion, with comically wide eyes looking at the reader, especially the ones relieving themselves. Drawings of carrion are bloody enough to depict death but are not gruesomely detailed. Simple quizzes check for reader comprehension and are answered on the last page. Although this book will most likely be browsed through rather than for research, a useful index helps to find specific material. VERDICT Just enough "eww" factor mixed with informational text makes this a fun book for kiddos looking for that gross element in life.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio

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