Poops and Farts: The Bottom Line

Gr 3-6–This is a nonfiction book of facts about a subject kids love, presented with the authority and detail of National Geographic, but with a bit of zany humor. The book’s title and silly jokes on the endpapers—“The number 1 book about number 2”—serve as a juvenile Trojan horse, setting a lighthearted tone for what is a remarkably sophisticated and comprehensive work. The comic caricatural art is lively, with people and animals rendered in a unique and visually pleasing angular style. The talking poops are particularly charming and expressive, especially when they are in costumes, such as that of a Renaissance painter or a no-nonsense city bus driver. Layouts are varied, clear, and accessible, allowing readers to navigate a wealth of information effortlessly. Readers learn about human and animal waste, the history of toilet paper, how to defecate in extreme environments (such as space), and even about the unique and forgotten job of a “flatulist.” The book’s blend of crass humor and high-quality informational content is masterful.