A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You

January 1, 2021
Science factoids, graphic-novel style. This over-the-top-fun volume from writer-and-illustrator team Barfield and Bradley is divided into three sections covering the human body, the animal kingdom, and "Earth and Science" (something of a grab-bag section, but it works). Devoting one or two pages to each topic, the book explores a wide spectrum of subjects: from the brain to various types of cells; from the mayfly to the Komodo dragon; and from Japanese knotweed to rainbows. Each subject takes the format of either "A Day in the Life" or a "Secret Diary," both of which unfurl as a conversational overview. Occasional recto pages labeled "The Bigger Picture" expand on a topic introduced on verso; for example, the sea-jelly page is accompanied by a "Bigger Picture" that introduces deadly sea jellies. Barfield's tone is light, imbuing his scenes with abundant giggles but never watering down the actual information. The full-color comics format makes this instantly accessible, and its nonlinear nature lends itself to picking up and putting down at will. Readers who love trivia or are simply seeking out some good old-fashioned poop and booger facts will be equally satisfied. A closing glossary provides useful definitions of terms used throughout; footnotes also define words or cross-reference related topics. Humans portrayed display a range of skin tones. A winner: hits the entertaining and educational sweet spot. (Graphic nonfiction. 8-13)

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February 1, 2021

Gr 2-4-Expanding considerably on the titular topics, the creators offer sweeping graphic surveys of the human body from brain to (especially) butt, assorted members of the animal and plant kingdoms, technological marvels, and even select geophysical processes. In cartoon panels with occasional breaks for a "bigger picture," dozens of animals, items, or organs mug or smile while describing their features and functions in a breezy style reminiscent of the "Basher Science" series: "Pleased to meet you! I'm a male dung beetle, and I'm just rolling with it." If the level of detail can't compare to more narrowly focused entries in the "Science Comics" series or (the gold standard) Maris Wicks's Human Body Theater, readers will still come away knowing that their eyes won't pop out no matter how hard they sneeze, the difference between "macrophage" and "mucophage," and why LEDs are more eco-friendly than incandescent bulbs. VERDICT Fresh, funny, unusually broad if not deep-tailor-made for STEM-centric browsing.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York

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