"Giraffes are champion droolers, with long,
drippy tongues - about half a meter (20 inches)
long - that are designed to wrap around tree
leaves and rip them off branches. Thick, sticky
saliva helps the giraffe grip the leaves and also
makes them easier to swallow. A bit gross, but
not super-gross, right? Well, consider this: a
giraffe can wrap that long, flexible tongue
around its muzzle and poke it into its own
nostrils to clean out its nose. Don't try that
at home!"
Aren't we lucky that there are nonfiction writers like Claire Eamer willing to scour endless resources to discover these gross facts for middle graders interested in knowing such things? As I read through page after page, I was astonished by the multitude of adaptations animals have made to protect themselves.
The table of contents is the perfect invitation for readers to discover what most intrigues them: poop, mucus, snot, spit, gas, losing body parts, monsters. They are all here. There is definitely an 'EWW' factor. Just looking at the pictures produces such a response - not at all sure about real life observations.
The design is weirdly attractive. Information is provided in an enjoyable, conversational tone. Each chapter is four pages long, with clear photographs and an introductory paragraph. That is followed by further descriptive sections concerning animals that fit within the headlines created to amuse and encourage readers to check them out. While much that is discussed is considered gross by the humans reading about the adaptations made, they are certainly a boon to the animals who survive and thrive because of them. Some of these developed skills have been studied and used to provide applications that are practical for humans.
"Inspired, the scientists are now developing hoses
as small as the velvet worm's papillae to make their
own tiny droplets for use in nanotechnology, the branch
of engineering that deals with things as small as an atom
or a molecule."
Much of what is presented is not at all familiar to me, although I have read numerous books about gross animals. It speaks to the depth of research Ms. Eamer has undertaken to bring this book to her readers. There is a lot to take in, and to share with others. If it makes readers curious to learn more, then we call it worthy of attention.
To that end, back matter includes Grossology, Doing Gross Science, Some Gross Extras, a glossary, a strong list of selected resources, and an index. Icky, yes. Also, impressive!
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