So, do you need to know where sloths poo? (Hint: it’s not in the trees where they spend most of their lazy days); Or the role of roundworm? Or how caterpillars make ‘friends?’ Maybe not, but these fascinating and funny anecdotes added to my enjoyment of science recently. Most chapters also have interesting questions at the beginning to prompt the reader to pay close attention – but that’s not hard – these books really do make you wonder, and ponder, about the natural world around us.

Eye-catching pictures will grab the attention of anyone just flipping through the books, and the quirky humor will engage readers as they enjoy learning fun facts as they explore the text from cover to cover!

Combining two tween favorites—humor and the gross-out factor—the titles in the Things That Make You Go Yuck! series are also educational. But don’t tell that to students. These books are all about animal (and a few plant and microorganism) adaptations and survival, particularly the planet’s more unusual creatures, and readers will enjoy reading one quick, double-page story after another. The smaller format—with close-up color photos on every page, puns that introduce each species, and related quizzes—add to the browsing appeal. Odd Couples highlights unusual mating practices as well as symbiosis among animals and some plants and how these relationships can benefit one or both species. From yuck to wow to hmm, these books will draw out the curiosity in any reader.

[T]he pictures were great, the information accurate, and the examples decidedly odd and appealing! . . . In addition to logical groupings of organisms, a mix of plant and animal examples, and fantastic images, there were trivia questions and thought-bubble boxes scattered throughout to break things up a bit. A fun read, each 2 page description of a “yucky” organism felt like it would make a great 2 minute mini-commercial on a kids science TV show. I’d recommend for any organismal science class.