Review Detail

Scat: The Incredible Science of Wildlife Poop is a fun and interesting read about, well... poop, while simultaneously covering the science of ecosystems. It is a fascinating look at animal waste products presented in an unexpected approach.

Scat is an incredibly educational read, suitable for readers 3rd grade through JR high, but readers of all ages will delight in this punny book, even if browsers only flip through reading some of the many captions and side bars and glancing at the photos, they are sure to learn a wealth of knowledge.
The body of the text is broken down into sections detailing how the poop of different animals benefit the environment and the food web in their habitats. There are unusual plants and creatures featured throughout the book that use scat in unusual ways.
The sad story of the end of the passenger pigeon and the consequence of human short-sightedness is eye-opening even while the author puts a positive spin on its end since it served as a wake-up call to environmentalists. This is one of those rare titles that offers solutions to problems while highlighting something that many might find disgusting.

With several colorful photographs, several of them showing animals in vulnerable positions, and a field guide to scat, Scat: The Incredible Science of Wildlife Poop is a great way to engage young readers in learning about the nutrition cycle.