What Do They Do With All That Poo?

Written by Jane Kurtz | Illustrated by Allison Black for S&S Beach Lane Books | Published June 2018 | Hardcover Format

There are so many different kinds of animals at the zoo, and they each make lots and lots (and sometimes LOTS!) of poo. So what do zoos do with all of that poo? This fact-filled romp explores zoo poo, from cube-shaped wombat poo to white hyena scat, and all of the places it ends up.

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Countless zoo books line the shelves, but how often does one discuss animal manure—and how a zoo discards it? Black's wide-eyed, expressive animals have personality, but they never cross over to cartoony garishness. After exploring 12 different zoo dwellers, Kurtz then turns her focus to the large amount of poo that accumulates at a zoo every day....A scatological success. (Kirkus April 2018)

…The brightly colored, cartoon-style illustrations by Black (Barnyard Boogie!) add levity, as hippos grin, sloths smile, and bats beam. Young readers going through a bathroom-humor stage should enjoy the topic and the book’s light tone but, whether appreciative, awed, or grossed out, all will come away informed. (Publishers Weekly April 2018)

2018 Finalist of AAA/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books
2019 Texas Library Association 2x2 Reading List
2018-19 Winner Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List for K-2

Amazon #1 New Release in Children’s Recycling & Green Living Books
Amazon Best Books of the Month (June 2018): Nonfiction for Kids
2019 Winner Oregon Spirit Book Award in Non-Fiction
2020 Towner Award Nominee

…Black illustrates the author’s final sally with a troop of heartily laughing monkeys. In fact, all the creatures in these brightly colored cartoon illustrations, even the earthworms, are smiling. So are most of the notably diverse cast of human workers (a few pooper-scoopers look understandably beleaguered), as befits both the topic and the tone of this fresh scoop on poop. (John Peters, Booklist April 2018)

…Black’s toylike animals, with anthropomorphized grins, will hold more appeal for younger listeners, but the information will delight older, independent readers. What kid wouldn’t enjoy imagining a place where nobody tells you to flush, put down the seat, and wash your hands? (BCCB May 2018)