Battle of the Butts: The Science Behind Animal Behinds

Description

Butts are funny, but they're also useful! Humans use their butts for two primary functions--sitting and pooping. It's the same for most other animals. However, some species have adapted to use their backsides in several surprising ways. Did you know manatees swim using farts? Or that herrings communicate by passing gas? There are animals that use their butts to protect themselves; others build things with their butts; and some breathe through their butts! Focusing on ten different animals and their derrieres, and offering fun facts about their origin, habitat, and "posterior power," this hilarious book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Structured as a "battle" in which each animal is a "challenger" to see who has the most formidable rear, Battle of the Butts allows young readers to rank their favorite butts.

Jocelyn Rish is a writer and filmmaker who never imagined her cheeky sense of humor would lead to a book about animal butts. When she's not researching fanny facts, she tutors kids to help them discover the magic of reading. Jocelyn has won numerous awards for her short stories, screenplays, short films, and novels and lives in South Carolina with her booty-ful dogs. David Creighton-Pester is an illustrator and designer from Hamilton, New Zealand. Inspired as a child by picture books, animation, and all things arty, he spent endless hours drawing crazy characters and coming up with silly stories. And still does now! David is also the owner of Scorch Design, a graphic design company he started in 2009. You can see more of his illustration work at www.davidcp.com.

"Recommended for general purchase for public and elementary school libraries; a perfect nonfiction choice for reluctant readers."--School Library Journal "Silly cartoon illustrations and a punny text convey a butt load of information about unusual behaviors (herring 'communicate through farts') and anatomies (a Sonoran coralsnake's butt looks like its head, which tricks predators). A 'Butt Bonus' feature with each entry adds related material."--The Horn Book Guide "This hilarious book by Jocelyn Rish is full of awesome facts that kids are sure to retain, accompanied by artist David Creighton-Pester's colorful and expressive illustrations."--Red Tricycle "If ever a science book begged to be read aloud, this is it, and the competitive approach to its crowd-pleasing topic will engender plenty of discussion and debate."--Booklist "The book is a gas. Ripping good fun!" --Kirkus Reviews