SCAT

In this icky and instructive book, poop preoccupation pulls readers into a world of science.

Sanchez sings the splendors of scat: It helps disperse seeds, offers a method of coded communication, and is a source of fertilization and even nutrition. The importance of excrement-related research by biologists and others comes through in clear detail, while stories enliven the narrative—for instance, Sanchez includes a poignant account of the extinction of passenger pigeons (which “fertilized their own habitat…and maintained the balance of life in their ecosystem”). Throughout, the author strikes a note of caution about climate change, observing that scat can help scientists who study the crisis affecting our planet. Writing in precise but conversational prose, Sanchez defines uncommon words (in bold) contextually and in an appended glossary. Frequent “Scat Science” sidebars offer essential and fascinating facts on everything from DNA to camouflage. Kids will love adding dung, frass, and guano to their vocabulary. Broken into well-organized chapters, the work closes with a mini-guide to identifying local animal deposits, complementing several sidebars on neighborhood scat. Abundant and alternately amusing, disgustingly detailed, and downright adorable color photos often catch animals producing and using wonderful waste. Excretion excitement is everywhere in this enthusiastic and informative book, which holds its nose, looks closely, and widens its range to “help us make a better Earth.”

Squeamish adults may look away, but kids who aren’t grossed out will be riveted.