POOP

Dropping pellets of fact about its nature, production, variety, and manifold uses, Davies builds a good case for the idea that dung is “probably the most useful stuff on the planet.” He analyzes styles, sizes, uses, and smells in fascinating chapters that cover the territory. Though Layton’s crudely drawn cartoon illustrations provide more jocular side commentary than actual information, this breezy introduction will give young readers with a certain tolerance for (or attraction to) the yuckier side of natural history the scoop on poop—at least in the animal kingdom. For more on the human side, pair this with Susan Goodman’s The Truth About Poop, illustrated by Elwood H. Smith (p. 393). (Nonfiction. 7-9)