Oh, my, this was excellent! Now I know some people will say it's not everyone's cup of tea but I think it should be because nature is so bloody fun and amazing and kids should learn this things, especially from a fun book that manages to combine humour with biology and be eco-friendly and on top of that it has awesome illustrations.

I loved the art style. It's unexpected yet so fitting on the theme and so so much fun! And the subject will be just up the kids' alley, since it could be gross but also fun and it will spark curiosity and enthusiasm - it even has some experiments at the end.

I had a blast with this book.

Just take your time with it. Savour it!

This book about rotting and decomposition is aimed at children, but doesn’t talk down to them, so adults can learn a lot from it too. The illustrations are weird and wonderful in a muted palette. Perfect for anyone who’s into fact-filled books, preferably with the unpleasant parts left in.

Do bears eat foxes? No, according to the US National Park Service, although they might eat a dead fox if they found it and were hungry. https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/education/upload/Who%20eats%20who%20chart.pdf

I like the explanation of why we need decomposers. If they didn’t exist, we’d still be climbing over the dead bodies of dinosaurs, not to mention the 25,000 pounds of poop every person produces in a lifetime.

You will learn never to move a beached whale carcass, unlike scientists in Taiwan, and that blowing it up into manageable pieces is more explosive than Oregon scientists had imagined beforehand.

I find some of the language used distasteful or inappropriate in one way or another, especially for the age group the book is aimed at. Phrases like “Grown up dung beetles suck out the stinky, nutritious liquid from their doo-doo dinner. […] Baby dung beetles can chew, so they can munch on turds directly rather than just slurping up the poop soup like their parents do.” This is a mix of childish, taboo words (doo doo, poop soup) and adult words (turds) that feels like it’s trying too hard to attract young boy readers using shock tactics. There’s also altogether too much use of the word ‘barfing’ for me; it seemed a particularly odd word to use for sea stars which push their stomachs outside their bodies, then produce digestive enzymes to allow them to absorb the nutrients from their food; not a process I’d call ‘barfing’, even if that word was in my active vocabulary. I know 10-year-olds love ‘rude’ words, but I think a lot of parents would object to their children reading these words in an educational book, however lighthearted. This is in contrast to the scientific concepts covered at an age-appropriate level whilst including correct terminology such as detritivore and decomposers.

I’m in two minds about the illustrations. On the one hand, children are likely to be attracted to them, despite the limited palette. They are often humorous and some have a distinct Picasso-style shifting of eyes. I particularly enjoyed the pink sea pig. But in some cases, the stylised pictures were confusing. This particularly struck me on the page with various types of flies, because although they were more or less recognisable, with carefully drawn anatomical details, the fact that fruit flies were drawn the same size as blowflies was unhelpful. On the other hand, there are many topics in this book that I would definitely not want to see illustrated with accurate photographs!

World of Rot introduces the organisms that make the Earth fertile. We learn about earthworms and other bugs that play a role in decomposing matter and making the ground fertile. This is a must-have book in school library collections.

This is an absolutely fascinating look at the decomposers who surround us, and do the dirty work of disposing of everything from poop to whale carcasses. There are probably some creatures here that you've never heard of; I was enchanted by the pretty darned adorable Christmas tree worm. The illustrations are quite eye-catching - they look like woodcut prints - and feature an unusual color palette that mixes both earth tones, and neon colors.

The book is a treat for nature lovers, anyone who's curious about the world around them, and both kids (and grownups) who just plain like GROSS things.

An excellent collection of facts about the natural world. This is also beautifully illustrated with fun, edgy, drawings. A great read!

09/14/2024 || The World of Rot: Learn All about the Wriggly, Slimy, Super-Cool Decomposers We Couldn’t Live Without by Britt Crow-Miller and Illustrations by Bruno Valasse || #WorldofRot #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley, Britt Crow-Miller and Bruno Valasse, and Storey Publishing | Storey Publishing, LLC for making this e-ARC available!
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author and myself.
All of my thoughts are my own~

5 Stars

This book was simply stunning from the cover, to the table of contents and all the way through to the end. The lush, vibrant, detailed illustrations by Bruno Valasse were a hit for my whole family and we have plans to buy a physical copy for our home this holiday season!

There was so much lovely educational details but also a lot of humor which I think will help readers of all ages not only appreciate, but also comprehend and absorb what is being explained to them! I think Crow-Miller has the right idea that should be more normalized: make learning fun. I appreciated the inclusion of climate change and how our decomposers might play an even bigger role in helping us protect our planet.

World of Rot by Britt Crow-Miller is a fascinating and unexpectedly delightful dive into the often overlooked process of decomposition. Before reading this book, I wouldn’t have imagined how captivating the topic could be, especially for young readers, but this book truly brings the world of rot to life!

The content is both educational and engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and science. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the organisms involved in decomposition to the benefits of rot in nature and even within our own bodies. I was particularly impressed by how the book explains complex concepts like the role of decomposers and the science behind fermentation in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for kids.

The whimsical illustrations are a major highlight, adding a fun and lighthearted touch to the topic while still being informative. The visual appeal of the book, with its vibrant colors and quirky images, really helps to draw readers in and keep them engaged. Despite the somewhat "gross" subject matter, the book manages to present it in a way that is both educational and entertaining, making it a great read for kids in grades 3-6 (and for adults who are young at heart!).

What I love most about World of Rot is how it encourages curiosity and exploration. The book includes several experiment ideas that invite readers to observe the decomposition process firsthand, making it an excellent resource for budding scientists and nature enthusiasts. It also touches on environmental awareness, teaching kids about the impact of non-decomposable materials on our planet—a lesson that is increasingly important.

Overall, World of Rot is a brilliant introduction to the world of decomposition, perfect for classrooms, homeschoolers, or any child curious about the natural world. It’s a book that not only educates but also inspires a new appreciation for the vital role that rot plays in our ecosystem. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this insightful and entertaining book. It’s a must-have for any young nature lover’s collection.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC of this!

This looked at decomposers and decomposition from a variety of angles that were very interesting. Both of my kids (8 and 11) enjoyed this as part of our science study lately, paired up with the Magic School Bus episode on rot. The art style was exactly what I tend to like best, without too much text for us to read aloud. It was not overly complicated but introduced plenty of new ideas.

Thank you to the author, Storey Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The title alone is enough to get this into reader's hands - and it's chock-full of facts, tidbits and anecdotes. Fun to read, with lively illustrations and lots of good explanations for natural science phenomena, and bonus: lots of occasions to exclaim: "gross!" and then keep reading because your kids are horrified and fascinated in equal measure. Excellent resource not just for kids about our natural world and the cycle of rot and regeneration.

The wonderful, and essential, world of rot is all around you, on you and in you. Slow down and open your eyes - and nose, and get to know the decomposers, in three, irreverent, disgusting, fascinating and fun, fact-packed chapters. Bright, vibrantly-colored, digitally-enhanced illustrations channel linoprints, Mexican folkart and mid-century graphics, delivering elegant molecules, stunning slime molds, quirky flies and voracious millipedes. Readers will be entranced by the who, what, where, when and why of the decomposers, revealed in all their repellent glory as they tirelessly unlock the nutrients our ecosystem needs to build new life. Back matter includes an index and well-described activities, explorations and experiments. Thanks to Storey and NetGalley for an Advance Reader’s Copy in return for an unbiased review.

5.0 ⭐️
A humorous educational book, sprinkled with fun facts and whimsical images, that gives new appreciation for something so undervalued - decomposition! Perfect for 3rd-6th grades (and kids at heart ☺️)

🪱 It covers a variety of organisms involved in the decomposition process for plants and animals, as well as in your household, and even offers experiment ideas and encourages explorative observations.

🦠 It also touches on the advantages of decomposition for both health and well being. This is where it goes into beneficial gut bacteria and fermentation, which I’m all about spreading more education around this 👏🏼

👃🏼 I definitely learned some things, like what a saprotroph and detrivore are, all the different types of decomposers (some were shocking!), as well as the role smell plays in decomposition. I never thought this topic could be so fascinating!

♻️ As a bonus, it breaks down (no pun intended) the amount of time it takes for certain “disposable” objects to decompose, a great introduction into environmental awareness for children.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and Britt Crow-Miller for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!

I absolutely enjoyed this!! As a 32-year-old, I learned SO MUCH new information on the world of decomposition. Fungi and moths are some of my favorite things however, I had NO idea about their, or butterflies, love of poop specifically...." the liquid bits." The artwork was fantastic as well. The information within this book is explained so efficiently and is easy to understand. I also love that when necessary, the author would give examples of how to be safe about going about a certain thing or if readers should avoid it. I love that real-world problems and examples were used that many can relate to. I am a homeschooling mama and I am absolutely using this book and its activities in our curriculum this year. This is a neat topic to learn about and has plenty of hands-on experiences that everyone can do!

This book has great illustrations, clear text, and good examples of how scientific processes happen. Lots of talk about poop haha

This would be a good book for a budding scientist who wants to learn more about decomposition, rot, and what benefits or dangers there are.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.

LOVE LOVE the illustrations in this book. Even as an adult reader this book taught me new information in a fun intriguing way. kids love gross science, so I can absolutley see some young readers loving this book!!

World of Rot is a gorgeous picture book that shows an in-depth look at decomposition and fungi. I loved how informative this book was and how much I learned! The illustrations are gorgeous and the subject matter was absolutely fascinating! Perfect for any kiddos (or adults!) who want to learn more about the natural world!

Thanks to NetGalley, Britt Crow-Miller, and Storey Publishing for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own.

In a Nutshell: An enlightening book about the world of decomposition and decomposers. Excellent info and presentation. Much recommended!

Most people go ‘Ewwwww!’ at the thought of rot, but the fact is that decomposition has a big role to play in our lives, whether within our body, on our body, in our homes and local communities, or even in the world at large. Whether we like it or not, decomposition helps keep our world clean. Decomposing matter also results in yummy food items such as sourdough bread and yoghurt.

This book begins with a brief introductory note about the importance of rot and creatures who help in the rotting process. “Rot can’t happen without life and life can’t happen without rot.” – this simple and honest sentence in the note sums up how vital decomposition is to our world. I also love the correlation the note makes between composition and decomposition.

The main content is organised into three chapters with multiple subtopics, the main sections being the essentials of rot, interesting decomposition trivia, and important decomposers. The structure of the information is evident in the table of contents as well as in the individual pages, with each page presenting the information in neatly structured blocks.

The content is comprehensive beyond belief. Almost every aspect of how rot exists everywhere around us is covered in detail. I appreciate how the book also talks about things that don’t decompose and how these affect our environment. (Stop using balloons, people!)

The language gets a bit difficult only when scientific terms are in use. Otherwise, the vocabulary is fairly manageable for older tweens and teens. The first section would be great for younger tweens as well.

The illustrations are not in a style I enjoy, but they do work to a great extent. There is a limited palette (with only yellow, green and red used predominantly, as you can see on the cover.) I guess the colours are restricted to the colours of decomposition in nature, though I am not sure about this. I wish that there were actual photos of the creatures mentioned in the decomposers section. Illustrations can go only so far! Information about real animals always works better with real images.

There are many activities at the end of the book, all connected to understanding the process of decomposition and the activities of decomposers. These might not be to the taste of all parents, and some could be mildly risky if done without adult guidance. So it would be better to tackle the activities section together, especially if the child is on the younger side.

Definitely recommended. This would be a great resource in classrooms as well as libraries, and would also make a great gift to every little nature-lover.

4.25 stars.

My thanks to Storey Publishing for providing the DRC of “World of Rot” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

What is decomposition and what makes it happen? Where, How, and Why are shown and explained in a fairly simple manner. Lots of factoids are included like: a single person can leave 25,000 pounds of poop in a lifetime. There is an index at the end. Worth the read!
The illustrations by Bruno Valasse are somewhat impressionistic yet clear, colorful, and fun!
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age 8 - 102 including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Storey Publishing | Storey Publishing, LLC via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Sep 03, 2024

Rotten sickly gross nasty ughhh freaky no way don’t touch and more can be found In this awesome book behind all things you got it rotten!!!

As a fifth grade teacher, I am always looking for science resources on decomposition, so was really excited for this book. It did not disappoint and I can see it having a permanent place in my classroom. There is so much information about decomposition, different types of decomposers, and where decomposition happens. The icing on the cake was the section at the end of various decomposition related experiments, some of which I plan to use in class this year.

The illustrations are bold, bright, and age appropriate. The book uses technical and scientific vocabulary in a way that is accessible to students. I think this is a great resource for any class studying food webs or decomposition.

A distinctive read, looking at death and decaying stuff without a completely childish emphasis on the gunky details, let down as I saw it by too much shoddiness. It's fine to learn how a bit of roadkill is turned into plant food, or what happens to a tree when it has been blown down, and it's important when doing food chains to know the wolf/bear/human/whale is not the end of things, but the signs were this could be better. Again, it may be down to mine being an early review copy, but the text didn't know the difference between molecules and atoms, said bird's decomposition was in a bodged order, and the flow of the actual reading order really needed to be better at times.

Bigger than those hiccups is the issue of the art going far too Picassoesque, and bigger than that is the question of if this small subject, however important, can justify a full 80pp book? Many pages have a low word count, for one thing. But then the piece swung me over – we get digestion, we get the break-down of plastics and our other waste products, before things devolve into a kind of encyclopaedia of all things grubby that do the breaking-down that we're concerned with.

So yes, this does justify its inclusion in your school library, if it's been tidied up. It may still look an ugly beast, all told (kind of in keeping, then) but I liked it. I shouldn't have found so much to find fault with, but I can't exactly point at any volume doing the same thing better. Three and a half stars.