Dan Marshall, Eww Gross: Foul Facts and Putrid Pictures, Pantera Press, October 2023, 280 pp., RRP $29.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780645624564
Eww Gross: Foul Facts and Putrid Pictures is exactly what is sounds like, a book about really gross stuff! Divided into five sections, Earth, Space, Science, Humans and Animals, it’s full of facts, statistics, graphic illustrations and hands-on activities that explain scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible way. A ‘grossometer’ scores topics from least disgusting (i.e. your pee glows under UV light, slime can navigate a maze) to most revolting (i.e. parasitic worms turn snails into disco zombies, scientists put an ear on a mouse), with readers encouraged to add their own rating. ‘Let’s do this’ pages encourage further investigation with activities and experiments such as making an apple mummy, keeping a ‘fart diary’ and eating like a fly.
This is a highly engaging book so it’s no surprise that it’s been shortlisted for the CBCA’s Eve Pownall Award. Even the most reluctant readers will be drawn in by the vibrant illustrations and downright disgusting topic. It’s likely most adults will learn something new too!
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
