Rotten!: Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Other Decomposers by Anita Sanchez
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 1328841650
Pages: 96
Goodreads

Most everything decomposes.  How, where, and when depends on multiple factors.  Sanchez covers these and the role dung beetles, earthworms, fungi, and scavengers have in decomposition.  Other topics covered are rotting logs, rot and bacteria in food, what happens to our trash, and rotting people.   Information is presented in a humorous manner and in small chunks with many colorful illustrations, “Decomposer Selfies”, and “Rot it Yourself” sections.  Readers learn the difference between aerobic and anaerobic decomposition as well as fun facts such as butterflies love to land on poop. Readers may connect with the idea of a rotting log being a hotel hosting many organisms.  Notes, glossary, an index, and a bibliography are included. Older readers may find the amount of illustrations and colors distracting as well as wanting slightly more information. Younger readers may enjoy the cartoonish drawings, but find the reading level slightly challenging.  Most all readers interested in smelly things will find a new piece of information in this book. Recommended for ages 8-11.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton