Animals That Make Me Say Ewww!

In the third book in a Ranger Rick–branded series, written in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, photographs show wild animals in their more uncouth moments. Cusick invites readers to revel in being grossed out while also encouraging them to rethink animal behavior. Gorillas eat their own “nasal detritus” because “there is so much competition for food in the wild that the small amount of energy in a booger is worth eating.” Meanwhile, hippos swat their tails in circles while they poop, “sending feces flying in many directions. Pooping this way lets them send their communication chemicals farther away.” For every icky description of, say, how a kangaroo mother cleans her pouch with her tongue (“There’s no toilet flush button in a kangaroo mom’s pouch”), Cusick’s insights into animal biology offer a valuable counterpoint. Ages 7–10. (Mar.)