Gross Universe
Your Guide to All Disgusting Things Under the Sun
by
Illustrated by
Ages 8–12
Hardcover: 64pp | 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 | $21.95
ISBN: 978-1-897066-63-8 (US $19.95)
Paperback: 64pp | 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 | $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-897066-39-3 (US $9.95)
Your Guide to All Disgusting Things Under the Sun
by
Illustrated by
Ages 8–12
Hardcover: 64pp | 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 | $21.95
ISBN: 978-1-897066-63-8 (US $19.95)
Paperback: 64pp | 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 | $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-897066-39-3 (US $9.95)
An eye-opening, stomach-turning look at the world around us!
ABOUT THE BOOK
ABOUT THE BOOK
Hold onto your lunches—Jeff Szpirglas is ready to talk about all things disgusting. From mucus to vomit, from farts to phlegm, nothing is off limits. It’s not always pretty, but it sure is fascinating. Find out why we need scabs, how spit keeps our teeth clean, and why pus is a Perfectly Understandable Secretion.
With his wicked sense of humor, author Jeff Szpirglas delves into the topics that we find revolting—and kids find irresistible!
Features include:
• Games You Should Never Play, like Komodo Kissing Booth
• Fun Activities, such as the Dandruff Landing Pad
• Scientist A and Scientist B, who help break down scientific facts for young readers
Topics Covered:
• Sickening Skin
• Hideous Healing
• Spectacular Stenches
• Mad About Mucus
• Foul Fossils and Putrid Prehistory
REVIEWS:
Kirkus Review
"[Gross Universe] will entice readers to delve into their favorite foul and fascinating facts…broad comic-strip illustrations throughout provide lighthearted visual context and appeal for those who delight in the disgusting."
SB & F
"At a certain age, children (and some adults, too) love gross and disgusting facts about their bodies, as well as about nature. This book satisfies their curiosity."
Brandon This Week
"You are sure to get a response when you share the strange, but true, facts presented in such a visually appealing way."
Hi-Rise Magazine
"…fascinating and educational."
Resource Links
"This delightfully illustrated book is a treasure trove of information…a ‘must have’…"
National Science Teachers Association Recommends
"This book will be irresistible to the very same middle school-ers who regularly resist science…I highly recommend it…"
The Kaboose Network (www.kidsdomain.com)
"I must congratulate the author for accomplishing what no grown up has done before him: Offering a response to a 'WHY?' that will stop the following 'WHY’s?' dead in their tracks...it’s just plain fun."
School Library Journal
"Szpirglas proves that gross facts are cool, and the book may just convince kids who think science is boring to take another look."
The Bulletin of the Centre for Children’s Books
"..a book that underneath its brash and effluvia-philic nature demonstrates a real fascination with the natural world…reality-comic style illustrations harmonize perfectly with the text’s tone…Reluctant readers will flock to this like flies…"
Canadian Children’s Book News
"Jeff Szpirglas’ humorous and witty treatment of the subject matter delivers a delectable and thoroughly disgusting feast for those who delight in the truly repulsive."
Quill & Quire
"The book is as informative as it is fun, thanks to OWL magazine alumni Jeff Szpirglas and Michael Cho, who have taken pains never to let raunchiness slip into mere sensationalism. For a book in which exploding fungi is easily the tamest thing discussed, that’s saying something."
Canadian Review of Materials
"Gross Universe is sure to elicit a response! Fans of weird and offbeat facts will find this book irresistible. Highly recommended."
The Manitoba Middle Years Associaton Journal
"Szpirglas hooks his readers with the title but delivers fine content...perhaps a future proctologist will emerge from reading Gross Universe."
Library Media Connection
"Boys will love to taunt squeamish girls with the many disgusting but true facts in this book....More than 50 pages provide amazing factoids about our own bodies and the world around us....Recommended."
City Parent
"[Szpirglas] takes information usually encountered in Biology 101 and presents it in a fashion that will grab the attention of readers 8 and up. But behind the jokes there is good science, clearly explained."
January Magazine
’’The information is intelligently - and interestingly - imparted and Michael Cho’s colorful and quirky illustrations add just the right touch. A terrific addition to your little gross-out’s holiday haul.’’
BC Parent
"Even the most reluctant readers will devour this fun and fascinating look at all that is disgusting and gross in the world around us."
AWARDS:
2007
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), Nominee, Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults
2005
IPPY, Finalist, Juvenile/YA Non-fiction category
2005
Canadian Children's Book Centre, "Our Choice" starred selection
2004
Resource Links, Best of the Year
2004
Canadian Science Writers' Association, Finalist, Science in Society Children's Book Award
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