Gina Shaw

Yes, there are poop stickers.

Ok, having gotten that out of the way, these two new titles from the Smithsonian imprint are excellent introductions to their subjects.

Poop Sleuth introduces a female scientist, Sarah Putnam, who studies poop! Readers will learn how and why poop is studied and the many things scientists can learn about animals, their diet and habitats. And, of course, there are plenty of pictures of different kinds of poop, including animals.... in action, as it were. There is a glossary, but no other back matter.

Curious about worms introduces readers to many different types of worms, from the familiar earthworm to parasitic worms and more. It includes bristle worms, deep in the ocean, similarities and differences between different worms, and their function in their various habitats. The glossary is the only back matter.

Both titles are a trim, 7x7 square. They are primarily available as paperbacks, but can also be purchased prebound. Text is limited to short paragraphs interspersed with copious photos, additional facts, and a varied layout. These will make a good addition to a nonfiction section to meet the needs of grade school students eager for science and nonfiction on a variety of topics at their reading level.

Verdict: Not a first purchase, but if you are building up a nonfiction collection and need more titles, these are a good option for intermediate readers. I'm currently short on nonfiction titles to meet the needs of my school district's new curriculum and these are just right for filling in the gaps.

Poop Sleuth
ISBN: 9780451533708; Published 2017 by Smithsonian/Grosset & Dunlap; Review copy provided by publisher; Prebound edition purchased for the library

Curious about worms
ISBN: 9780451533692; Published 2017 by Smithsonian/Grosset & Dunlap; Review copy provided by publisher; Prebound edition purchased for the library… (meer)

This book is all about zoo vets who work at the Smithsonian. It lets us know what kid of animals live there and who takes care of them. I like this book because this particular zoo has different animals then the Audubon zoo we have here in New Orleans such as a sloth! That is so cool! Vets also classify animals into five different areas: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It goes on to tell you all about how veterinarians keep the animals clean and what different types of animals eat and how the animals interact with them. If your an animal lover then you would love this book!… (meer)