Rotten!: Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature's Other Decomposers [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

Who knew learning about dung beetles, worms, vultures, mummies, and numerous other “rotten” things could be so much fun?! In this informative book, Anita Sanchez provides so many facts about decomposition. I learned, for instance, about the different kinds of dung beetles and how they create their homes out of dung. It’s fascinating! I also learned about the decomposition process of a tree log and why it doesn’t smell terrible (even though one would think anything rotten would smell badly). The book also touches on items that do not decompose and the dangers they pose for nature. Speaking about plastic, it explains that “landfills are overflowing with plastic that’s sitting there, not decomposing. But even worse is the plastic that doesn’t make it into a landfill” (65).Eighty-three pages of information can seem like a lot for a young reader, but Sanchez’s writing paired with the engaging and colorful illustrations by Gilbert Ford truly provide a fun learning experience. The book is divided into eight chapters, each one focusing on a different decomposer. Each chapter has a variety of sections that provide focused information on the specific topic, using stories, humorous snapshots, and creative illustrations. Some of my favorite recurring sections were “Decomposer Selfie,” which provides short bits of information about an animal or organism, and “Rot It Yourself,” which offers brief experiment directions. There is much to enjoy in this book! It would make a great addition to any library.

We borrowed this book from the library and loved it so much just had to own it.Seamlessly talks about issues and then explains them in a fun way.Your kid doesn’t know what decomposition or greenhouse gasses are or how they work? That’s ok because this book transitions from talking about one thing and explains it in the next page.Also teaches children the importance of even the smallest creature and how they help our Earth and why things decaying is important.

This book is great! Easy to understand material about various things surrounding the topics of decomposition and waste. My 3 yo and I both enjoy reading this one. Recommended for adults and kids alike. Great educational tool.

Fun and informative, easy reading.

"Decomposer Selfie: CORPSE FINDER. Corpse-finder mycelia [fungus webs] suck up the nutrition provided by a decomposing corpse. Then telltale clusters of mushrooms sprout over the spot where the body is buried. Sometimes they reveal the secret location of a buried murder victim!" p. 25There are so many interesting facts and explanations in this book, I had to find sticky notes to mark them. Decomposers are EVERYWHERE. In your body. On your body. In your refrigerator. On the ground you walk across outside. In nature in general. There are millions and millions of species of decomposers. In unexpected places even - like chocolate!Anita Sanchez's writing is spot on with charming illustrations by Gilbert Ford.READ THIS ALOUD TO YOUR STUDENTS! In classrooms, highly recommending projecting with a doc camera or smart board and reading aloud (yes--this is a nonfiction chapter book that you can read aloud). You might pose a big question like: What are you learning that you never knew before? And why is this important? OR Why are decomposers important? Sanchez provides plenty of rich content for students to discuss.BOOK TALK THIS SO STUDENTS GRAB UP - Start by sharing the cover and full title. (That might be enough!) Read aloud the following excerpts - the intro (p. 1), the "corpse finder" (page 25), "Good and Rotten" about how the cacao beans in chocolate have to rot before they develop their amazing taste, and "Your Own Personal Bacteria" about how your smelly armpit sweat is from the waste products of bacteria living there (page 53).THERE are CLEAR BIG IDEAS in this book - Sanchez does a beautiful job of developing multiple ideas including:*Decomposers are everywhere, not to be feared, and vital to our every day lives.*Over the centuries, humans have learned how to defy the natural, helpful way of decomposers (e.g., embalming with honey and so forth) but this may be starting to harm Earth (e.g., think landfills that are packed so tight, sun and air can't host decomposers and the invention of plastic which doesn't break down). There's hope, though. (Sanchez shares some new research. You'll have to read to find out!)