Poop: A Natural History of the Unmentionable (Animal Science)
Animal Science Series
What’s inside...
A noted zoologist collaborates with a playful illustrator to create an engaging and informative guide exploring the world of animal feces. The book reveals how different species utilize poop, from hippos using it to navigate to sloths using it to communicate. It also delves into how scientists study animal feces to uncover dietary habits and ancient behaviors, showcasing poop as an essential tool for recycling and gaining knowledge about the natural world. The book highlights how poop provides insights into the diets, behaviors, and ecosystems of various animals and is a valuable resource for scientific discovery and environmental conservation.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think animals have different types of poop?
What can we learn about an animal's health or diet from its poop?
How does poop help the environment?
Can you think of any ways that humans use animal poop to help us in our daily lives?
What was the most surprising thing you learned from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize the book’s illustrations to make the conversation more interactive. Point out different animals and their poops as visual aids.
Relate the facts from the book to daily observations, such as pets or birds in the garden, to make the information more relatable.
Encourage your child to think critically about how poop plays a role in nature's ecosystem by asking them to explain what might happen if it didn’t exist.
Praise your child's curiosity and encourage them to ask more questions, fostering a deeper understanding and engagement with the topic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding natural biological processes
Explanation: The book provides detailed explanations on how and why animals, including humans, produce poop, thereby demystifying a typically taboo subject.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to understand their own bodily functions better, fostering a more informed and respectful attitude towards natural processes.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the role of every organism in the ecosystem
Explanation: It explores the importance of poop in ecosystems, such as how it acts as a fertilizer and supports other forms of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children about the interconnectedness of life and may encourage respect and responsibility towards the environment.
Example Lesson: Promoting scientific curiosity
Explanation: Through its engaging and humorous approach to a peculiar topic, the book ignites interest in biology and the scientific method.
Real-World Application: Children might be inspired to observe, ask questions, and explore more about different animals and their environments, turning curiosity into learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity in animal behavior
Explanation: The book describes various ways different animals handle poop, showcasing the diversity of animal behavior.
Real-World Application: Such knowledge helps children appreciate biodiversity and can be applied during nature trips, zoo visits, or simply observing pets at home.