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Animal Science
Poop: A Natural History of the Unmentionable
A noted zoologist teams up with a playful illustrator to present a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating (if not fragrant) world of poop across species.
Hippos navigate by it, sloths keep in touch through it, dung beetles eat it . . . and most grownups would rather not to mention it. Meanwhile, scientists who study animal feces find out all sorts of things, such as how many insects a bat eats or just what technique a T. rex used to devour a triceratops 70 million years ago. However you look at it, poop is the quintessential prototype for recycling and probably the most useful stuff on earth. Take a peek at POOP and find out all you need to know — what it's for, where it goes, and how much we can learn from it.
Hippos navigate by it, sloths keep in touch through it, dung beetles eat it . . . and most grownups would rather not to mention it. Meanwhile, scientists who study animal feces find out all sorts of things, such as how many insects a bat eats or just what technique a T. rex used to devour a triceratops 70 million years ago. However you look at it, poop is the quintessential prototype for recycling and probably the most useful stuff on earth. Take a peek at POOP and find out all you need to know — what it's for, where it goes, and how much we can learn from it.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2004
6 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Davies
162 books180 followers"I was very small when I saw my first dolphin," says zoologist Nicola Davies, recalling a seminal visit with her father to a dolphin show at the zoo. Enchanted at the sight of what she called the "big fish" jumping so high and swimming so fast, she determined right then that she would meet the amazing creatures again "in the wild, where they belonged." And indeed she did--as part of a pair of scientific expeditions, one to Newfoundland at the age of eighteen and another to the Indian Ocean a year later. In WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, Nicola Davies describes her voyages in a firsthand account filled with fascinating facts and captivating photographs of seven species of dolphins in action.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 14, 2014
Disgusting, funny and very informative! I know way more about poop than I ever thought I would want to know. Kids would love this book, with the great illustrations and informative yet accessible narration. Parents will learn a lot as well! You'll never look at poop the same again.
February 27, 2016
Got this book as a gift, and I love it! Easy to read with cute illustrations. A lot of interesting facts about poop. There's lot to learn about animals and their poop! This book makes it fun to learn about the significance of poop to animals.
December 29, 2019
Cute, funny and informative - got lots of fun facts to impress my friends with, even if perhaps not at the dinner table :D
September 27, 2017
From
Nutcracker
(1816) to poo, because variety is the spice of life.
Poo comes out of (almost) every living creature. Some of them feed it to their offspring, some use poo to pass messages on. Even princesses need to poo.
Davies's compact and clear overview about the importance of poo is both funny and informative. The topic can of course be disgusting (I wouldn't stick my finger in poo), but despite all the shame surrounding it, poo is an extremely important part of nature (doesn't help you forget the scene in Salò [1975], though). Funny little books like these can also inspire kids to be part of natural sciences or conservation work.
So, what can you learn from this? Among other things, you can learn that poo comes in all sizes and shapes. It helps you get rid of the waste in your body, baby koalas get vital microbs from it by eating it, it can signal the location of prey, and it can also function as building material.
And why were dung beetles important for Australian farmers? You find out, when you read Poo!
Poopoopoo. Poo is life.
Poo comes out of (almost) every living creature. Some of them feed it to their offspring, some use poo to pass messages on. Even princesses need to poo.
Davies's compact and clear overview about the importance of poo is both funny and informative. The topic can of course be disgusting (I wouldn't stick my finger in poo), but despite all the shame surrounding it, poo is an extremely important part of nature (doesn't help you forget the scene in Salò [1975], though). Funny little books like these can also inspire kids to be part of natural sciences or conservation work.
So, what can you learn from this? Among other things, you can learn that poo comes in all sizes and shapes. It helps you get rid of the waste in your body, baby koalas get vital microbs from it by eating it, it can signal the location of prey, and it can also function as building material.
And why were dung beetles important for Australian farmers? You find out, when you read Poo!
Poopoopoo. Poo is life.
January 15, 2018
Four stars for the enlightening text. Dealing with animal feces more than with human, this book focuses on what poop is made of, what it can be used for, poop habits, animals that eat poop, animal communication using poop, and how scientists can learn about animals and their environments by studying poop. It was quite interesting. I give it three stars, however, because, for the most part, I disliked the childish illustrations (although sometimes humorous), which included lettering that was often difficult to read. I’m sure this book will be a hit with readers of all ages, however, as it was with me. Recommended!
July 10, 2021
Hilariante!
May 14, 2016
Everyone poops (which is the name of another great book on the subject), no matter how refined or classy or elegant we think we are, we all do it. So why not have a sense of humour about it? And why not learn a few interesting facts about it along the way? Poop is more than just waste, in fact, it is hardly ever just that. And with the growing awareness of eco-friendly actions, why wouldn't we want to know more about it and ways to utilise it? After all, it's not ever going to stop!
February 7, 2016
Excellent book. Poop was covered from A- Z; I found the topic very interesting and could not wait to my trips to the reading room so that I could read another page.
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October 29, 2023kocham to
December 10, 2017
Summary “Poop: A Natural History of the Unmentionable”: An interesting and informative read that examines how what animals ingest (from fluids to grasses to meats) has an impact on what comes out! And, what happens after that. Designed for inquiring minds of all ages (but probably the younger, the gigglier!)
Reading level: MG 4-8, BL 6.1 AR Quiz #80740 EN
Characteristics that Support the Genre: Filled with drawings and explanations.
Mentor Writing Traits:
Idea: An informational read about nature’s own recycling system! The author graduated with a degree in zoology so this book explains what defecation is for, where it goes and what we can learn from it.
Organization: Not a typical science book, this book is designed to fit any size hand relatively easily and is filled with lots of illustrations. It starts by explaining why poop looks different based on the creature, how animals use it to communicate and survive, and what humans can learn about animals by studying poop!
Word Choice: Simple and easy to read.
Conventions: The text is sans serif, easily legible. The illustrations are fun and informative with supporting texts that support the drawings.
Presentation: Fun, colorful, informative. The section on “poop detectives” is really funny and engages the reader to explore what’s outside their front door.
Classroom Integration: I would use this book in a science project or for demonstrating graphic illustrations. Fun and clever!
Reading level: MG 4-8, BL 6.1 AR Quiz #80740 EN
Characteristics that Support the Genre: Filled with drawings and explanations.
Mentor Writing Traits:
Idea: An informational read about nature’s own recycling system! The author graduated with a degree in zoology so this book explains what defecation is for, where it goes and what we can learn from it.
Organization: Not a typical science book, this book is designed to fit any size hand relatively easily and is filled with lots of illustrations. It starts by explaining why poop looks different based on the creature, how animals use it to communicate and survive, and what humans can learn about animals by studying poop!
Word Choice: Simple and easy to read.
Conventions: The text is sans serif, easily legible. The illustrations are fun and informative with supporting texts that support the drawings.
Presentation: Fun, colorful, informative. The section on “poop detectives” is really funny and engages the reader to explore what’s outside their front door.
Classroom Integration: I would use this book in a science project or for demonstrating graphic illustrations. Fun and clever!
December 18, 2019
Es maravilloso tener una memoria de mierda cómo la mía, así he podido volver a flipar y leer este libro con los ojos como platos y la mandíbula desencajada por algunos de los datos sobre qué hacen los animales con la caca. Cómo está contado, cómo está ilustrado... Debería estar en todos los centros educativos del mundo.
December 31, 2020
This was a short, informative, and entertaining read. It's definitely geared towards a younger audience, but is packed with interesting information for everyone. Comic and short informative pieces go over poop (scat) across various species as well as the ecosystems it creates and supports; and, also the research and types of information that can be gathered about organisms by studying their feces.
July 25, 2022
Excellent petit manuel sur les multiples usages du caca chez les animaux. Les dessins sont bien, l'écriture est chouette, facile et drôle sans être infantilisante. Les anecdotes sont vraiment intéressantes, j'ai appris plein de choses. Achetez ce livre à vos enfants, et lisez le avec eux !
December 2, 2024
This is one of my favourite books that I read from time to time. It is very interesting and instructive and not just for kids! I love the illustrations and their humour too. They work so perfectly with the text.
July 15, 2017
I have used this as a mentor text in class and my kids and I have been equally enthralled with the history and the science of our journey with poop.
August 14, 2018
Don't ask me what I don't know about No. 2's...truely life changing.
February 20, 2019
A fun little educational romp.
July 23, 2019
Great nonfiction book. Need to add this to my classroom shelves.
September 5, 2019
Disgustingly funny but great for children!
December 29, 2019
For those who like the topic and enjoy talks about it soo much! Very nice and pretty informative!
October 5, 2020
Ukochana ksiazka dzieciństwa:))))
January 11, 2022
cool narrations for a non-fiction children's book
January 20, 2022
It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to guess where I read this book. I smiled regularly while reading, and laughed a few times even.
March 12, 2022
Very educational and entertaining.
November 12, 2023
4.5 stars
January 30, 2025
Probably the most informative book I’ve read in the last 10 years. Of which this is my third.
March 22, 2017
Fun, educative and full of unmentionable facts.
July 24, 2015
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Nonfiction, Middle School, Picture Book, Juvenile Nonfiction, Humorous Stories
Estimate of grade level of interest- 3-7
Estimate of reading level- Grade 4+
Brief description- This illustrated picture book provides a history of animals’ body waste, to include humans, animals, and types of bugs and insects. Humor is added to maintain audience engagement.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book
As with a picture book, illustrations provide additional benefit to the storyline. Clearly marked illustrations help to solidify understanding of the visuals. Adding humor to factual information such as “Sloppy or hard, skinny or fat, all this poop has a purpose: it’s the way animals get rid of waste.” helped to maintain audience attention.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
Through the use of humor, middle grade and middle school students will enjoy hearing about poop. Sayings that will have the audience laughing are examples such as the following: c
1. Male hippos waggle their tails as they defecate to spray their poop in all directions, which sends their macho message about how touch and big they are.
2. Termites eat wood, poop it out, and then stick their poop together to make lump gardens for growing mushrooms, which can provide food enough for the whole colony.
Reviews if any:
Booklist 10/15/04
Kirkus Reviews 08/14/04
Publisher’s Weekly 08/30/04
Horn book Magazine 09/01/04
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s books 11/01/04
Library Media Connection starred 02/01/05
Horn Book Magazine starred 04/01/05
Links to published reviews from professional sources:
titlewave.com
Estimate of grade level of interest- 3-7
Estimate of reading level- Grade 4+
Brief description- This illustrated picture book provides a history of animals’ body waste, to include humans, animals, and types of bugs and insects. Humor is added to maintain audience engagement.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book
As with a picture book, illustrations provide additional benefit to the storyline. Clearly marked illustrations help to solidify understanding of the visuals. Adding humor to factual information such as “Sloppy or hard, skinny or fat, all this poop has a purpose: it’s the way animals get rid of waste.” helped to maintain audience attention.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
Through the use of humor, middle grade and middle school students will enjoy hearing about poop. Sayings that will have the audience laughing are examples such as the following: c
1. Male hippos waggle their tails as they defecate to spray their poop in all directions, which sends their macho message about how touch and big they are.
2. Termites eat wood, poop it out, and then stick their poop together to make lump gardens for growing mushrooms, which can provide food enough for the whole colony.
Reviews if any:
Booklist 10/15/04
Kirkus Reviews 08/14/04
Publisher’s Weekly 08/30/04
Horn book Magazine 09/01/04
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s books 11/01/04
Library Media Connection starred 02/01/05
Horn Book Magazine starred 04/01/05
Links to published reviews from professional sources:
titlewave.com
December 24, 2008
Ok, I admit it, I'm a poopafile. I don't like smelling or dealing with it, but I love to talk about it. (My husband finds this incredibly attractive, as you can imagine!) So when I was a Von's near the Purdue campus recently I could resist buying it. Of course I bought it under the guise that I was getting it for my friend's boys (which I am, but I had to read it first!)
This book is actually very informative. Especially from a wildlife biologist point of view. And the illustrations were freaking hilarious. Although I already knew alot of the information contained in this book I did learn a few very interesting nuggets. (sorry I couldn't resist) My favorite info, right in time for Christmas, was about mistletoe. Birds love to eat mistletoe berries, but they are very sticky and when the birds poop them out they get stuck. So the birds then have to wipe on a branch to get them off, thereby depositing the seeds in the tree branches where they need to be to survive.
You'll enjoy the crap out of this fun little book!
This book is actually very informative. Especially from a wildlife biologist point of view. And the illustrations were freaking hilarious. Although I already knew alot of the information contained in this book I did learn a few very interesting nuggets. (sorry I couldn't resist) My favorite info, right in time for Christmas, was about mistletoe. Birds love to eat mistletoe berries, but they are very sticky and when the birds poop them out they get stuck. So the birds then have to wipe on a branch to get them off, thereby depositing the seeds in the tree branches where they need to be to survive.
You'll enjoy the crap out of this fun little book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews