IT’S NOT EWWWW...IT’S YOU!

Leya explains some of the human body’s “yuckiest” processes in this picture book.

In Professor Ewe’s science class, readers learn about bodily functions through humor, rhyme, and colorful illustrations. This short book will delight young children with mild potty humor, especially if read aloud. But, beyond the laughter, children will also learn basic information about bodily functions. Gas in rhyming verse is described as: “Toot / Blaarrp / Braapp / Ffffff / Stinky gas might smell like poo, / but loud or soft or in between / it gets that air quick out of you!” Each function is described in rhyming verse laced with fun facts. More detailed information is included at the book’s end, such as “Sweat is mostly made of water and salt and acts like your body’s own air conditioner.” Maru’s full-color cartoon illustrations are colorful, and the engaging characters will appeal to kids. The illustrations support the story well and add a bit of whimsy, such as in the depictions of sweating animals as Professor Ewe describes perspiration and its purpose. Ultimately, children learn that “our bodies are AMAZING. / Whether human, elephant or kinkajou— / And even though it’s sometimes gross…. / It’s not EWWWW! / …It’s You!” Overall, the story is a good steppingstone for student research.

An entertaining book that makes science fun.