Poo! What? Where? by Mike Rampton. Illus. by Gareth Conway

Children love books about poo and this new release will be a firm favourite. Written with plenty of toilet humour, Poo! What? Where? is a brightly illustrated soft cover book that will provide many moments of engagement for readers of all ages.

The book opens with clear explanations about what poo is and why it is brown, followed by an impressive full spread diagram tracing the journey of a sandwich through the digestive system. Each organ is labelled, and the six stages of digestion are described in simple, accessible language with key vocabulary highlighted for young readers.

The chapter 'Pooing in the Past' offers some unusual historical facts — from Medieval castle toilets that emptied straight down the walls to Ancient Roman communal benches where people sat side by side and reused rinsed sponges. Later, 'The Problem with Poo' introduces readers to the health risks associated with waste, while 'Pooey Places' explores unusual poo related issues around the world, including the surprising problem of human waste on Mt Everest. Animal lovers will gravitate toward 'Poo in the Zoo', which is packed with memorable trivia: baby hippos, koalas, and pandas eat their mothers’ poo to help them grow, and wombats famously produce cube shaped droppings.

Throughout the book are humorous anecdotal sayings, voice bubbles with clever quirky comments, fascinating facts (did you know Tasmania has a Pooseum?) and detailed graphic-style illustrations that will entertain readers. There is even information about pooing in space and pooing in the future. This book is really a one-stop-shop for all things poo related and covers science, history, and some gross facts!

It will be a very popular addition to a school library.

Themes: Poo, Information, Science, Historical: Modern: & Future Facts, Creature Poo, Humour.

Kathryn Beilby