Poo-Dunit? A Forest Floor Mystery, written by Katelyn Aronson and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $11.99 ages 3 and up

 

"OH, POOOOORCUPIIIIINE ... 

"Not mine," he said. 
"You've got it wrong. 
My poo is short! 
This poo is long. 

Ask Fox.""

Need I say it? Readers are going to love this book. It's easy to tell from the mouse's face on the front cover that its morning has not started well. What is that smell? It turns out that it is a BIG pile of poo. Mouse wants to know who the culprit is that left it so close to his burrow. 

Eager to solve the mystery, Mouse turns first to Squirrel. Squirrel is appalled and blames skunk. Skunk explains that its poo is thin, while this pile of poo is very thick. The questioning continues with Porcupine, Fox, Coyote, and Deer, who is quick to state it is much too messy to belong to her. Mouse is irate and determined to discover who left that poo at his door. 

There are some clues - must be big, hairy, and eat seeds and berries. Oh dear, it's Bear. Bear is happy to admit it. 

"A poo that no one can outdo! 

A poo that no one can out-poo!" 

Has Mouse found the offender? Apparently, not! Can you guess? 
Mouse is quite resourceful. Next spring brings a more pleasant odor. 

Back matter offers a game concerning whose poo is whose, and a brief explanation for the value of poo in the grand scheme of things.   
                                                                          

My friend Don and I have launched a new adventure. We have been presenting Great Books For Great Kids workshops for teachers and others for more than twenty years. We recently decided to give podcasting a try. Episode One is launched! You can find it here: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-lets-get-started/id1806751468?i=1000702261476