Scat: The Incredible Science of Wildlife Poop

"Scat: The Incredible Science of Wildlife Poop" is an engaging nonfiction chapter book that transforms a seemingly yucky topic into a fascinating exploration of ecology and scientific problem-solving. Author Anita Sanchez clearly and concisely explains the nutrient cycle and how animal waste plays a crucial role in nature, from providing food and shelter to offering vital clues for scientists. The book highlights real-world examples, such as researchers using tiger scat to track populations and bat guano to aid reforestation efforts, directly linking these efforts to climate change mitigation. Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, it's perfect for curious young readers aged 4-11, offering a "lightly punny" approach to complex environmental science. Back matter includes a glossary and a photo guide to common animal scat.

Discover how poop can actually help protect our planet in this nonfiction book on the nutrient cycle and scientific problem solving. What could be more revolting, useless, and downright disgusting than poop? But in nature’s endless and complex cycles, there’s no such thing as waste. The poop of wild animals is full of surprising power: it can be food, shelter, a way for creatures to communicate, and more. For scientists, scat can reveal clues about how animals are responding to climate change threats. From researchers in India using tiger poop to track the endangered big cat to scientists in Mexico using bat guano to help replant a forest destroyed by fire, Scat shows how scientists are getting creative when it comes to studying animals and protecting ecosystems from climate change. Award-winning nonfiction author Anita Sanchez’s writing is clear, concise, and lightly punny, providing readers with an accessible introduction to the nutrient cycle and the world of animal poop that is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Back matter includes a glossary, a photo guide to common animal scat, and more. A Books for a Better Earth™ Title A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection