The Scoop on Poop

Poop, doo-doo, dookie, crap, feces, excrement, dung, meadow muffin, turd -- whatever you call it, everyone does it! But few people understand the impact poop has had and continues to have on society. For example, did you know poor waste management was the main cause of disease outbreaks until the late 1800s? And that it took over 400 years to refine the invention of the flushable toilet? Prepare to get down and dirty as you explore poop through the ages!


Poop Happened! A History of the World from the Bottom Up
Written by Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Robert Leighton
Published by Walker & Company, New York; Copyright 2010
For ages 8 and up

In Poop Happened! A History of the World from the Bottom Up, author Sarah Albee reminds us that whether you find poop amusing or disgusting, it's still fun to learn about. Albee traces the history of human waste management from the earliest civilizations to modern day poop disposal technology. Her witty humor is matched by Robert Leighton's silly illustrations, making this an entertaining nonfiction read for youth and adults alike. Poop Happened! is littered with random facts about "icky occupations," toilet terms, and photos from throughout history of the evolution of sanitation. Albee presents factual information with potty humor sandwiched between a neatly organized preface, table of contents, index, and list of sources. Check out the book trailer to see why everyone needs to brush up on their poop history!

The Truth About Poop
Written by Susan E. Goodman, Illustrated by Elwood H. Smith
Published by Penguin Group; Copyright 2004
For ages 7 and up

The Truth About Poop takes a broad approach to teaching kids about waste. Through quirky details and colorful illustrations, Susan Goodman and Elwood Smith explain the "ABCs of elimination," discuss the history of the toilet and the evolution of toilet paper. The Truth About Poop doesn't delve into the history of waste management like Poop Happened! but it gives younger audiences more of an overview of where poop comes from and where it ends up. This book includes a table of contents and fun facts about poop on the inside front and back pages. It was awarded Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best, Time Out New York's children's website 2005 pick of the week, and has been featured in Scholastic Book Fairs.

More recommended titles:
Flush! The Scoop on Poop Throughout the Ages by Charise Mericle Harper
Gee Whiz! It's All About Pee by Susan E. Goodman
Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi