
Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! (National Wildlife Federation)
by Dawn Cusick
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Mar 01 2016 | Archive Date Jan 04 2016
Description
Presented in partnership with Ranger Rick and the National Wildlife Federation, prepare to be grossed out by an engaging and unique look at some of the more disgusting survival techniques from the animal kingdom.
From blood-squirting reptiles to blood-sweating mammals to nose-picking primates, learn about some of the ickiest creatures in the animal kingdom and the amazing purposes served by their grotty behaviors. From cleanup to dinnertime to self-defense, each off-putting act is actually an aid to survival!
Author Dawn Cusick and the National Wildlife Federation have compiled a volume as attractive as its subject is nasty.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781623540630 |
PRICE | $16.99 (USD) |
Links
Average rating from 16 members
Featured Reviews

This is a great book that simultaneously amused and fascinated me. Filled with simple language, and perfectly chosen pictures, it gives children (and adults) insight into some of the more ewww-worthy animal behaviors, such as the reason behind nose-picking and feces-eating. There were several times when I was quite surprised because I had no idea that there were legitimate reasons for some of the behaviors (like the feces-flinging).
This is a perfect book for ages 8+ to read by themselves, but also easily one that parents would enjoy reading with them or younger children. The back of the book lists several 'scavenger hunts' which encourage the reader to utilize the internet and find out more information about various animal behaviors or adaptations on their own.
A fantastic read from Dawn Cusick and National Wildlife Federation that I would definitely recommend for any child who is curious about biology, or just at the stage where they think bodily functions are hilarious. It'll let them laugh and educate them at the same time. Great work.

Hold on to your hats, ladies and gentlemen, because this is one nonfiction title that truly lives up to its name. We’ve got lots of snot, feces galore, blood, guts and plenty of gunk – everything you could want in a gross-out information book for middle-grade readers!
This is definitely an image-heavy book, with stunning wildlife photography balancing the visually-appealing text bubbles to create a nonfiction text that is engaging, rather than overwhelming. The grossness is largely limited to the text, with the photographs tending towards generic images of each animal (thank goodness – I don’t think my stomach could have handled vivid photographic evidence of some of the more disgusting behaviours).
Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! doesn’t talk down to its audience, using appropriate language like “defecate” and “feces”, and providing scientific explanations for this behaviour. While humorous and engaging, this is definitely still a nonfiction book, and children will likely come away from it having actually learned something, amidst the inevitable giggles and gasps.
The author provides a helpful glossary and detailed index to aid with research, and includes a fun “scavenger hunt” extension activity. Part of a series of engaging nonfiction texts for budding biologists, Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! is a comprehensive, yet light-hearted look at the many wonders of our natural world. Highly recommended.

This is a great book to teach about animals, especially some of their gross behaviours. Boys will love this book. What 9 year old boy does not love to read about eating boogers or feces. Finding out what animals regurgitate and why will catch their attention. The photographs are excellent. They have many closeups of animals that you would not normally be able to see. This book would be a hit in school, classroom and public libraries. Getting those reluctant readers to read this book would be easy.

Will be posted March 4 Animals that Make Me say Ewww! Is an interesting look at some of your favorite (and not so favorite) animals. But this book tells you all about their gross habits - like picking their nose and eating it and talks a LOT about poo. Definitely really informative if you try to look beyond the Eww! factor, but I think a lot of kids will love reading about poo and won't realize they are actually learning too!
I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

Bright photos from the National Wildlife Federation accompany interesting and gross information about how animals clean themselves and deal with their wastes and other rather gross things. I did not know that bees basically vomit nectar into the cells in the hive to make honey. The book includes a glossary and an index and I think that elementary school children will enjoy reading it. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

Fascinating accounts of disgusting things animals do complete with explanations. A sure hit with kids of ALL ages.

Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! by Dawn Cusick is children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. This book details some of the less appealing aspects of the animal world. From blood-squirting reptiles to blood-sweating mammals to nose-picking primates, learn about some of the most disgusting creatures in the animal kingdom. Animals have developed some weird, wacky, and just plain gross habits and skills that help them survive.
Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! has a host of interesting facts about the bizarre habits and skills that animals have developed to help them survive. some are disgusting defenses to protect them from predators, others are symbiotic relationships or grooming habits that help keep them comfortable and healthy, and some are to help them find and devour their own prey. Some of the facts I already knew, like the teamwork between certain birds or fish and much larger animals that might otherwise consider them food or pests, but I did learn some new things as well. I liked the detail about the whys of the gross facts, rather than just the information about what each animal does and why it is gross. This would be a great book for readers that love learning about animals, and those looking for some information on the icky side.
Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! is a wonderful resource and I think it will be appreciated by animal and ick lovers alike. A great addition to home, school, and library collections.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner
Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
John Kotter; Holger Rathgeber
Business, Leadership, Finance, Nonfiction (Adult)
Elizabeth Passarella
Essays & Collections, Humor & Satire, Religion & Spirituality