Poopendous by Bennett & MoranCopyright 2012
Blue Apple Books - Children's (Amazon says "Ages 4 and up")
36 pages
My first thought when Artie Bennett asked me to review Poopendous was, "Um. Yuck!" But, I wasn't actually all that sure about The Butt Book when I saw the title (same author, different artist) and it turned out to be an absolute riot. And, I do have a passion for children's picture books. Can you tell?
Poopendous begins by talking about how poop is kind of a disgusting subject, there are different names for it, and all creatures poop.
Poop is yucky, poop is foul.
Step in poop and you will howl.
To read this book, you must be strong.
Just hold your nose and come along.
There's a delightful illustration of a woman looking horrified about the poop on her shoe, a skunk holding his nose, a dog howling, a boy looking queasy and your guide, "Professor Pip Poopdeck" appearing perfectly calm. So cute.
After talking about names for poop, the fact that monkeys will fling it at you and your dog may make it very clear when he needs to go, the next thing described is the "styles" of poop - from tiny fly specks to giant hippo piles, round rabbit pellets to cube-shaped wombat poop.
Next up are the uses of poop. I had no idea termite mounds were made of termite poop! But, I did know poop is a way that seeds are carried. Whew! Didn't want to flunk, "Are you smarter than a preschooler?" Marking scent and trails, warning other creatures away and enriching soil, burning for cooking, used to seal and build homes (Mongol yurts sealed with yack dung; Masai huts that are made of cow dung) are mentioned, followed by such silly things as moose poop souvenirs (which we've laughed about in Alaska) and cowpie-flinging at county fairs.
The book ends on the following note:
Why should such wondrous stuff offend us?
Poop is TRULY quite . . .
POOPENDOUS!
My thoughts:
I love it! Educational, silly, rhythmically rhyming text and fun, colorful, goofy illustrations make Poopendous a rocking fine addition to a child's shelf. Recommended.
This is #2 for Children's Day. Two more reviews are forthcoming!
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I loved The Butt Book and I'm sure I'll love this one too! So cute. And the illustrations rock.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprisingly fun and informative. I had no idea there was such a thing as cube-shaped poop. The illustrations are wonderful!
DeleteLOL, I had some SERIOUS problems with A Discovery of Witches. Diana pissed me off to the max, but I admit I want to see how much of an asshat Matthew turns into when they timewalk backwards. We'll see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried A Discovery of Witches, yet, so it'll be fun to see how you feel in the end. I do have a copy on one of my many teetering stacks (which shall be packed away, soon). It seems to get pretty mixed reviews.
DeleteSounds like a lot of fun!
ReplyDelete'Tis. :)
DeleteOkay, I'm still going to say, "Ew!" :) But I'm glad that it turned out to be so much fun compared to what people might expect.
ReplyDeleteLOL Every once in a while, you might unaccountably feel like holding your nose, but it really is a cute, informative book. I liked it.
DeleteLooks amusing and informative, too! I read a book a while back all about poop facts- mostly to do with animals if I recall rightly. It was just called Poop. But sounds like this one has different facts so maybe I should read it too! I think my kid would get a kick out of it, as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is both amusing and informative, Jeane! Double duty! :) I just read your review of Poop, a bit ago. Sounds much the same but very cool that Poopendous includes some different facts! :)
DeleteI can see how children would love this one! It sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's very fun and children aren't as grossed out as we are. I have a feeling they just find it funny and interesting.
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