Why Rabbits Eat Poop and Other Gross Facts about Pets

September 1, 2012

Gr 1-4-These books will have no shortage of fans. As the titles imply, readers will be introduced to gross facts about bugs, animals, pets, and the body. Animals is the most fascinating as there are a lot of strange creatures, and the author has made lesser-known but intriguing selections. For example, readers learn that sea cucumbers squirt their intestines out their backsides as a form of defense (the intestines take two weeks to grow back) and that vultures can't sweat so they defecate on their legs to cool off. Throughout the series, readers will delight in the frequent references to gross terms. Each chapter spread contains a well-written paragraph, a "gross fact!" pullout box with additional engaging information, and one to two photos. The latter are of excellent quality and provide enhancement to the texts. Definitions appear at the bottom of the page where the word appears and in glossaries. These books will leave readers clamoring for more, so be prepared.-Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

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