Stink It Up!: A Guide to the Gross, the Bad, and the Smelly
Stink, the younger brother of Judy Moody, is back in this guide to all things gross and smelly. The short volume covers such topics as edible insects, laws concerning underwear, slime, weird things that people around the world eat, mummies, skin shedding, and other items that turn the stomach and are endlessly fascinating to most young people, especially boys. There’s a “Gross Grub Menu,” with a recipe for “Mealworm Spaghetti” and appetizers of “Grilled Black Witch Moths” and “Deep-fried Crickets,” as well as a section on gross body situations, like a smelly belly button and toe jam. The liberal line drawings break up the text into small paragraphs or lists and, along with the subject matter, will appeal to reluctant readers. No prior knowledge of Stink and his adventures is necessary; this will certainly be popular with series readers and newbies alike. Grades 2-4. --Suanne Roush