Things That Make You Go Yuck!: Crooked Critters

By: Jenn Dlugos and Charlie Hatton
Publisher: Prufrock Press 
Publication Date: October 2016
ISBN: 978-1618216090
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: September 8, 2016

Ew! Gross! Wow! Cool! Theses are some of the things young readers will say when they open up the new book Things That Make You Go Yuck!: Crooked Critters.

The book begins with a brief introduction about life in the wild and what animals have to do to survive. While the theme of the book is "bullying, burglary, rioting and fraud" in the animal world, the authors are quick to point out that animals aren't being mean when they do these things, it is simply what they must do to survive.

Following the introduction are six chapters: Big Bad Bullies, Mobsters, Breaking and Entering, Disturbing the Peace, Maniacs and Madmen, and Identity Thieves and Frauds. Within these chapters we see just how various animals bully others, steal, impersonate, and even how some "critters make nightmare neighbors."

On the first page of each chapter is a quiz prominently featured where readers are challenged to "Take the Crooked Critters Quiz!" A multiple choice question, with the answer on the last page of the chapter, along with further information on that topic. The chapters are chock full of great, fascinating information on a wide selection of animals (and a few plants too!). Along with all the great information are lots of clear, crisp photographs, some with very close up views of the animal being discussed. Add in the compact size of this book that makes it perfect for slipping into a school backpack, and you have the perfect book to get young readers interested in what goes on just outside their back door.

Quill says: Whether used as a jumping off point for research projects, or just for a fun reading project, Things That Make You Go Yuck!: Crooked Critters is a great educational and fun book for young readers.