Gary D. Robson

While the story of a nuclear family (Mom, Dad, sister Emily and brother Michael) isn't actually much of a story, the questions that the kids ask, and that their knowledgeable parents answer, provide a lot of information about the different animals that inhabit Acadia National Park and the signs they leave behind them.

Great horned owl, white-tailed deer, porcupine, snowshoe hare, coyotes, red fox, river otters, raccoons, bats, chipmunk, and black bear tracks and scat are all depicted in a neat chart on the final double-page spread.… (plus d'informations)

I really liked that this book takes an unusual topic, Scat or poop, and by using a trip by two families it allows three children, Michael, his big sister Emily, and Michaels friend May, to be the main characters which helps make the connection with young readers more accessible. Another strong point is the use of information boxes, The Straight Poop, at the bottom of most pages to give interesting facts about the different animals that the children are gathering information on. Although the children, and adults, aren't likely to see many of these animals they can learn from the scat and tracks of the animals. An excellent book in a larger series called Who Pooped in the Parks.… (plus d'informations)

I had no idea there was a "Who Pooped" series. The title alone will peak the interest of children. This story follows 4 children, Tony, Emma, Lily and Jackson on a day they spend in Central Park. Instead of going to the zoo to see the animals, they journey through the park meeting several "experts" during the day. They follow animal scat, pellets and tracks as they learn about the life in Central Park. From insects to birds to mammals they learn about some of their habits, the dangers they could pose and about reintroduction of some animals to the area.

This is a great book for children interested in nature and wildlife as well as anyone learning about the environment and habitats. If anyone is heading to New York City, this would be a great book to read before you go, then watch for specific living creatures.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)