What Poo Can Do:How Animals Are Fighting the Climate Crisis, written by Yolanda Ridge. Orca Book Publishers, 2024. $21.95 ages 9 and up

"Like wildebeests, gorillas are so important to the health
of the jungle trees and plants that they're often called
gardeners of the forest. They keep tropical forests (which store 40 percent of the world's carbon) healthy by fertilizing plants with their poop and removing brush that could cause fires."

I have great admiration for the books included in the Orca Footprints series. Billed as small steps toward big changes, they do exactly that. Their authors have a consuming interest in their subject matter and provide just enough facts that the books hold interest, while providing important information for young readers interested in making our world a better place. Poo is the 28th book in the series, which started publishing by Orca in 2013 with Down to Earth. That is an amazing run, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Many different things have an effect on our lives, and most have worthwhile solutions when we learn as much as we can about them. These books certainly do their part to keep us informed. 

Everyone is affected by climate change. Animals are included, of course. Just as people can play a role in helping to stem the tide of galloping changes to our environment, animals do it quite naturally. The table of contents lets readers know what they can expect. Any book with the word POO in the title is sure to be of great interest. Looking at the listed chapters allows readers to head directly to what attracts their full attention. 

Will it be burping, farting and pooping it out?  I suggest that might be a strong contender. Or, what a load of guano. The chapters talk about whales, wildebeests, dung beetles, and penguins. Each is divided into four or five sections, providing interesting data on how animals help stem climate change and how we can help each species in that fight. End matter includes a glossary, a list of resources, and an index. 

This is another book that provides food for thought, offers pertinent information, and equips interested middle graders with fodder for discussion and research.