The Scoop on Poop
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
Selected as an 'Our Choice' book by The Canadian Children's Book Centre and short-listed for the Hackmatack Award, 'The Scoop on Poop' by award-winning author and photographer Wayne Lynch takes a fun and scientific look at poop in the animal world. Covering a wide range of uses, from communication to construction, the book explores how different animals utilize their droppings. Filled with color photographs, fascinating animal facts, and a deep dive into the role of feces in the ecosystem, this book offers an engaging and enlightening perspective on a typically taboo topic.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think animals have different types of poop?
What did you find most surprising about how animals use their poop?
How do you think knowing about animal poop helps scientists?
Can you think of other things that animals do that might seem weird but are actually important?
What have you learned about the environment from reading about poop?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use encouragement and excitement when discussing the themes. Showing your own curiosity can inspire your child to engage more deeply.
Relate the information to your child’s everyday experiences, such as pets or local wildlife, to make the content more relatable and easier to understand.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt critical thinking and personal connection, enhancing both comprehension and interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Natural Processes
Explanation: The book educates children on how animals in the wild use poop as part of their natural behavior, such as marking territory or aiding digestion.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of natural processes in animals, promoting respect and curiosity about wildlife.
Example Lesson: Importance of Hygiene
Explanation: The book contrasts how humans manage waste differently from animals, emphasizing the use of toilets and regular handwashing.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing good hygiene habits to stay healthy and clean.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story illustrates how animal waste contributes to the ecosystem, such as fertilizing plants and being part of the food chain.
Real-World Application: Children understand the role of every organism in the ecosystem, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age.
Example Lesson: Scientific Curiosity
Explanation: Through engaging facts and figures, the book encourages an interest in biology and zoology.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead children to explore more about science subjects in school and everyday life, enhancing their educational development.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Natural Functions
Explanation: The book presents a light-hearted and factual view of a topic often considered taboo, normalizing natural biological functions.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be more comfortable discussing and learning about their bodies, promoting a healthy self-image and openness.