Animals That Make Me Say Ewww!

January 11, 2016
In the third book in a Ranger Rick–branded series, written in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, photographs show wild animals in their more uncouth moments. Cusick invites readers to revel in being grossed out while also encouraging them to rethink animal behavior. Gorillas eat their own “nasal detritus” because “there is so much competition for food in the wild that the small amount of energy in a booger is worth eating.” Meanwhile, hippos swat their tails in circles while they poop, “sending feces flying in many directions. Pooping this way lets them send their communication chemicals farther away.” For every icky description of, say, how a kangaroo mother cleans her pouch with her tongue (“There’s no toilet flush button in a kangaroo mom’s pouch”), Cusick’s insights into animal biology offer a valuable counterpoint. Ages 7–10.

January 1, 2016
In the wake of Animals That Make Me Say Wow! and ...Ouch! (both 2014), Cusick has nothing to offer but blood, sweat--and spit, mucus, poop, boogers (sorry, "nasal detritus"), mud, pee, musk, and puke. Viewers hoping for titillation on every page aren't going to get it, though there are enough close-ups of barfing birds, poop-slinging hippos, and nose-picking primates to justify the title. Nonetheless, most of the many big, bright photos portray animals more-conventionally posed in natural settings and engaging in less overtly disgusting behaviors. The author likewise tones down her theme by focusing not on the revolting details but on the reasons why, for instance, snakes shed their skins, rhinos and elephants eat their feces, and some "mammal moms" lick the bottoms of their offspring. Four online research "challenges" cap this broad if not deep survey of animal eating habits, offensive and defensive mechanisms, and sanitary practices. A pleaser for budding zoologists, though those eager to meet the so-appealing hagfish or actually see a lizard squirting blood will have to look elsewhere. (index) (Nonfiction. 7-12)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.