The Secret Life of Boogers

August 15, 2020
How many liters of snot do I have in my body? How fast can a sneeze travel? How does a giraffe clean out its nose? Answers to these questions and more can be found in this slimy read. This import from Barcelona has been translated into English, but fascination with boogers is a universal language. Anthropomorphic boogers take on the task of explaining all things booger-, snot-, and sneeze-related, including the important role that mucus plays in our bodies, trapping viruses and bacteria. The format is informational, arranged in topical spreads with labeled diagrams. One page details what the onomatopoeia associated with sneezing is in different languages: "atchim" in Portuguese; "a-psik" in Polish! In another two-page spread, the meaning behind different colors of snot is interpreted: Black snot could mean that there is smoke or contamination nearby. A true-or-false quiz has readers wondering whether "Drinking milk produces snot." (No, according to the key at the end.) Packed with facts and tidbits, this book will have readers finishing it as experts. The illustrations are exaggerated and whimsical rather than scientifically detailed, which gives the book a playful tone while still delivering factual information. Human characters are depicted with paper white, peach, and dark brown skin. Gross-out science lovers will be pleased with this pick. (Answer key) (Informational picture book. 5-8)

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