The Big Book of Barf: A Spewnami of Sick Science, Hurled History, and Body Oddities

Gr 4-7–Chuck, Professor Anita Puke, and Queezy (who resembles a cartoonlike stomach) are three upbeat characters who take readers on an alphabetically-organized journey through everything barf-related. Each letter has its own chapter and begins with a list of terms synonymous with vomiting that begin with that letter, followed by questions posed by Chuck and Queezy and answered by Professor Anita Puke, all related to the letter. Each letter chapter includes some or all of the following special sidebar sections: “Chuck’s Sick Science,” which provides explanations of science-related terms (e.g., peristalsis is explained under the letter P); “Hurled History? (the myth of the Roman Vomitorium is explored under the letter V); “Epics of Emesis,” which covers vomit-related myths from around the world; and “Ralph-Worthy Recipes” for edible concoctions that resemble barf. Brightly colored cartoon illustrations contribute to the lighthearted, humorous vibe.