With a touch of humor and quirky full-color illustrations, kids will learn about the life-recycling system happening all around us—in the sea, in the soil, and even inside our own bodies. Profiles of decomposers such as hungry fungi and familiar worms, poop-slurping butterflies, and slimy banana slugs offer something to pique the curiosity of every kid. Readers will also learn the heroic role decomposers might play in fighting climate change and eating plastic.
- Books
- Middle Grade Non-Fiction
- World of Rot: Learn All about the Wriggly, Slimy, Super-Cool Decomposers We Couldn’t Live Without
World of Rot: Learn All about the Wriggly, Slimy, Super-Cool Decomposers We Couldn’t Live Without
Author(s)
Publisher
Age Range
8+
Release Date
September 03, 2024
ISBN
1635866693
This fascinating book takes readers on a deep dive into the process of decay, from the science behind it to an up-close and personal look at the organisms that do the dirty work to make our planet livable.
Editor review
1 review
Humorously educational
(Updated: June 15, 2026)
Overall rating
4.3
Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
4.0
Learning Value
5.0
World of Rot is gross- in a very fun way! Kids between the ages of 7 and 15 will find this book funny, intriguing, and also fascinating!
World of Rot is filled with all sorts of grossly fascinating information pertaining to decay and decomposition. Featuring three repugnant, disgusting, fascinating, fun, and fact-packed chapters, the who, what, where, when, and why are captivating.
It also touches on the advantages of decomposition for both health and well being, where it goes into beneficial gut bacteria and fermentation.
The book uses technical and scientific vocabulary in a way that is accessible to children.
As a bonus, World of Rot goes into the amount of time it takes for certain “disposable” objects to decompose, making a great introduction into environmental awareness for children!
The art reminds me of Mexican folk art. The Bright, vibrantly colored, digitally enhanced illustrations were probably my child's favorite part! They are highly detailed and gross, in a good way. I was expecting a book with a darker color pallet, but was pleasantly surprised with the colors used on these pages.
This would be a great addition to an upper elementary science unit, or even middle grade!
World of Rot is filled with all sorts of grossly fascinating information pertaining to decay and decomposition. Featuring three repugnant, disgusting, fascinating, fun, and fact-packed chapters, the who, what, where, when, and why are captivating.
It also touches on the advantages of decomposition for both health and well being, where it goes into beneficial gut bacteria and fermentation.
The book uses technical and scientific vocabulary in a way that is accessible to children.
As a bonus, World of Rot goes into the amount of time it takes for certain “disposable” objects to decompose, making a great introduction into environmental awareness for children!
The art reminds me of Mexican folk art. The Bright, vibrantly colored, digitally enhanced illustrations were probably my child's favorite part! They are highly detailed and gross, in a good way. I was expecting a book with a darker color pallet, but was pleasantly surprised with the colors used on these pages.
This would be a great addition to an upper elementary science unit, or even middle grade!
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