FROM THE PUBLISHER

An eye-opening, stomach-turning look at the world around us.

Gross Universe reveals the science behind all the disgusting things that kids love to talk about. From mucus to vomit, from farts to phlegm, nothing is off limits. It's not always pretty, but it is fascinating. Find out why we need scabs, how saliva keeps our teeth clean, and why pus is a "Perfectly Understandable Secretion."

With his wicked sense of humor, Szpirglas delves into the topics that kids find irresistibly revolting:Games you should never play, such as Komodo Dragon Spin-the-BottleFun activities, such as the Dandruff Landing PadScientist A and Scientist B, who help break down scientific facts for young readers

Topics covered include:Sickening skinThe hideous healing processSpectacular stenchesThings that oozeOpen up and say...Eugh!Foul fossils and putrid prehistoryWhat a gas!Mad about mucusV is for vomit

Gross Universe will keep young audiences laughing and learning as they uncover the science behind some of life's more odious occurrences.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Beverley Fahey

Better get a couple of copies of this one because it will literally fly from the library shelves. Kids like gross and Szpirglas knows just how to serve it up to them with fascinating information about pus, mucus, sweat, blood, slime and an assortment of other yucky stuff not suitable for polite dinner conversation. With enticing chapter titles like "Sweet on Slime," "Spectacular Stenches," and "H is for Hurl," he lures the reader in and then expands on all the neat, nasty details in a breezy conversational style. Hilarious cartoon illustrations and a continuous lively debate between Scientist A and Scientist B energize the text. Billing himself as someone who thinks "weird animals and gross facts are cool," Szpirglas includes an impressive list of researchers who have made every effort to make sure he got his facts straight. The icky things related may revolt you, but I just bet you will find it hard to put down. 2004, Maple Tree Press, Ages 8 to 12.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-This lively title is for children who love stomach-flipping facts, most of which are connected to the human body. Whether describing the mites that live on dead skin or in the nose and around eyelashes or maggots that clean out pus, the information is presented in a witty manner that is sure to keep readers turning pages to discover more. Additional details are provided by cartoon characters named Scientist A and Scientist B. Puns and wordplays abound as the text reveals tidbits about dandruff (complete with a shiny black "Dandruff Landing Pad"), ear wax, tooth scum, and digestive difficulties that are unsuited for polite conversation. Chapter headings include "Sickening Skin," "Hideous Healing," "House of Wax (and Other Leaky, Oozy Things)," "What a Gas," and "V Is for Vomit." Szpirglas proves that gross facts are cool, and the book may just convince kids who think science is boring to take another look.-Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews