Stinky Science:Why the Smelliest Smells Smell So Smelly, written by Edward Kay and illustrated by Mike Shiell. Kids Can Press, 2019. $18.99 ages 9 and up

"There may actually have been some people throughout history whose brains thought the smell of rotting meat was yummy or who couldn't smell it at all. But those people probably died from eating the rotten meat before they could have children and pass along their genes to them. And that's why we have evolved so that many things that are bad for us smell bad to us, too."

It is not hard to find books that you know will capture the attention of kids who love to be grossed out. You can tell from the subtitle that this one is going to be fun, and it does not disappoint. It delivers - just as the author promises in an introduction.

"A considerable amount of sweat has been expended in researching this book. Hopefully it just smells like paper and printers' ink - although if other people have read it before you, there may also be what is sometimes known as 'grubby little fingers' odor. So take a deep breath - through your nose, of course - and prepare to become a scholar of stinks."

The table of contents gets the reader started with such chapters as the why and how of smell, smell and memory, the stinkiest stinks (animals and vegetation) and the structure of stinks. The book ends with a chapter on super sniffers (think vultures and sharks), before ending with an appreciated glossary and a most useful index.

In between, kids who love to learn about such things will be entertained by the conversational tone of the writing, and the many ways the sense of smell helps people and animals live their lives. As Mr. Kay explains scientifically the way the nose works and the scents it can detect, he also explains the role that memory plays when a person smells a familiar smell. In fact, a smell can help you think about things you might not otherwise have remembered. Bad and good smells have the same effect.

He also explains why some animals smell as bad as they do, and which have an extra powerful sense of smell. Fact after fact provides endless entertainment and learning.

"Sloths, on the other hand, smell bad just because of their slothful habits. They move slowly and don't do much of anything - including grooming. As a result, sloths have algae and fungi growing on them. And insects. One study found that a single sloth had 980 beetles living in its fur. They share that space with up to 120 moths at a time. The moths eat secretions from the sloth's skin and feed on the algae that grows on it."

Yes, you heard that right.

If you spend time with kids, or have your own, you will know that they are obsessed early with butt jokes, and an interest in all things 'poopy', including fascinating smells. They are the ones who are going to find this book appealing. It is well-researched and provides lots of information that is sure to hold their attention. I learned a lot, too.

The cartoons, drawn by Mike Shiell, up the 'ewww' factor with a bright and humorous depiction of the information being presented. This is a great book for kids who want to know more about our senses and how they work.