What's Afoot! Your Complete, Offbeat Guide to Feet
What's Afoot! Your Complete, Offbeat Guide to Feet
On two feet or on all fours,
Where would you be without yours?
Feet. They’re everywhere! We share them with bats, cats, rats, even gnats! But not all feet are the same. Some are sticky, and some are stinky. Some can hear, and some can taste. There’s a wondrous world of feet out there, especially animal feet. It gives one paws!
Artie Bennett, author of the beloved, kid-pleasing picture books The Butt Book, Poopendous!, Peter Panda Melts Down!, and Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My, directs his gaze downward now to deliver the final word on feet. In well-crafted, hilarious verses that teem with facts and fun, Artie identifies the parts of the foot, the unique adaptations of assorted animal feet, the largest human feet ever, and much, much more.
Mike Moran, acclaimed illustrator of Poopendous!, puts his best foot forward with uproarious artwork that both enlightens and delights. Feet have never been in better hands!
There’s even a two-page fact spread, “Feet Notes,” for those eager to jump into this fascinating subject with both feet. What’s Afoot! is guaranteed to knock your socks off!
Specs:
Author: Artie Bennett
Illustrator: Mike Moran
ISBN: 978-1-7335-6820-3
Page Count: 40
Binding: Hardcover
Age Group: 4-10
Product Dimensions: 11” x 8.5”
Pub Date: September 2019
PRAISE FOR ARTIE BENNETT
“Bennett’s use of rhyme is excellent; his stanzas flow and exude joviality in a manner that few writers since Dr. Seuss have truly mastered. Simply put, these books are a joy.”
--- The Show Me Librarian
“It appears there is no topic that Mr. Bennett can’t make funny and educational!”
--- The Huffington Post
Praise for Poopendous!
“If Dr. Seuss decided to write about bodily functions, he probably would have come up with something as zany as Poopendous! Mike Moran provides the vibrant, silly artwork that perfectly matches the crazy rhymes and topic. It’s even hard to say Poopendous! without chuckling. Do you want your kids to be eager to read? I bet this book will help. Highly recommended!”
--- The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
“Artie Bennett returns with another rib-cracking, jaw-breaking, and wildly entertaining picture book called Poopendous! The Inside Scoop on Every Type and Use of Poop!
Illustrated by Mike Moran, this book combines witty verses and funny illustrations to share the ‘inside scoop’ about an ‘icky-poo subject’ that people would not bother talking about, let alone say the name. If you’re having second thoughts about reading this book, then I’m telling you right now: READ THIS BOOK! If Dr. Seuss or Roald Dahl were to pick up this book, I’m quite certain that they would take delight in the title alone, and find the actual content even more delightful! With the aid of the knowledgeable Professor Pip Poopdeck, readers will learn about all kinds and uses of poop ‘from aardvarks to the humped zebu.’ One of the things I really liked about Poopendous! is how it can be enjoyed on two different levels. On the one hand, it is a hilarious read, and readers will have so much fun reading the rhyming verses that are accompanied by the bright and zany cartoon sketches of Mike Moran. It’s definitely worth reading aloud! On the other hand, it has that ‘scientific’ feel to it in which children can actually learn something, like they would in an illustrated science book. So you see, Poopendous! is more than your average laugh-out-loud picture book. I highly recommend that you share this book with children. It has the three E’s: Entertaining, Engaging, and Educational. Read this book and I guarantee that you’ll never look at poop the same way again.”
--- Gathering Books
The Best Picture Books of Summer 2012
“A new classic for the potty genre! Who doesn’t crack up when it comes to potty talk? (Maybe grandmas?) Artie Bennett first impressed us with The Butt Book (LOVE) and he’s delighting us with Poopendous!, an everything poops book whose rhymes work perfectly (and I’m picky about rhyming books) to delight and impress young (and old) readers.”
--- Imagination Soup
Five Enthusiastic Stars
“When I was looking through the list of author signings for BEA 2012, I was definitely on the lookout for books that would not only entertain but also educate my three-and-a-half-year-old son. When I pulled the books out of my suitcases and we looked through the stack, he picked this one out right away and we haven’t stopped reading it since! Poopendous! promises to give you “the inside scoop on every type and use of poop” and this picture book certainly delivers! Follow Professor Poopdeck and his two young companions as they learn all about the different names and types of poop, how animals use it to mark their territory, and the many ways humans have used it for fuel and fertilizer, all shown in fun, to the point, colorful illustrations. From the title that is just plain fun to say to the vibrant illustrations to the rhyming prose that flows off the tongue, Poopendous! is an entertaining and humorous look at all things poop while being educational. My son and I have a lot of fun reading this book and pointing out all of the little nuances in the illustrations, down to the small details. Five enthusiastic stars from this mom and early reader for this picture book. Now I’m off to order Artie Bennett’s The Butt Book.”
--- Bewitched Bookworms
“Due to the imaginative title, Poopendous!, you were a sensation with the students before you uttered your first syllable. The children adored the presentation! And I believe the parents were as enthralled with Poopendous! as the students. The book is infused with a delightful use of rhyme, onomatopoeia, remarkable facts, and extraordinary illustrations that kept the children mesmerized throughout the entirety of your appearance. Poopendous! is simultaneously whimsical and instructive. As an educator, I love it. The story serves as a fabulous starting point for language arts, science, math, cultural diversity lessons. Reading Poopendous! reminds me of Dr. Seuss books that can be read and reread without ever getting old. Poopendous! has created quite a fan base in our community. We are anxiously awaiting the publication of your next book.”
--- Susan Cramer, reading specialist, Maple Shade Elementary School, Pa.
“Poopendous! is an awesome picture book by Artie Bennett about a subject we obviously can’t get enough of at our house, POOP! If you are looking for a really funny book, with great pictures, any kid will sit through, this is the book. Margo, Rebecca and Isaac listened attentively and laughed hysterically all while NOT complaining about whose story was being read first. Isaac and I discovered Artie Bennett at the library just a few weeks ago. The Butt Book was a fixture out our house until we finally had to return it. Isaac was heartbroken, so I was excited to hear that a new book was just published by the author. Artie Bennett obviously knows what makes kids laugh and the former children’s librarian in me applauds him for his use of unique vocabulary and content that keeps kids engaged and talking. I love books that allow me to explain what a word means. And if those words are funny even better. Really, how many books have you read recently that used the word ‘dung’? The kids and I get to talk about the silly things we see in the pictures and funny stories that they create from reading the book. Reading is supposed to be fun, especially at this critical age of reading development. Finding a book that is fun and full of great language makes this librarian happy. I would point out all the really funny lines from this book, but currently Isaac is asleep with the book under his pillow. You will have to read it for yourself.”
--- Long Days, Short Years
“Poopendous! is a hysterical look at a bodily function everyone can relate to from the smallest bird to the largest human. It’s a clever way to show children that pooping is no big deal and can actually be quite helpful. Artie Bennett, author of The Butt Book, has written a new book, in rhyme about poop! He starts out acknowledging that poop is gross, especially when we step in it. But then he shares that everyone poops from ‘aardvarks to the humped zebu’ and that it is ‘simply part of life’s routine.’ After assuring readers that it’s natural to poop, he goes on to state all the ways it is used—this is the best part of the book and surely to get some ‘EWWWW!’ out of readers. He talks about manure, which most of us know, but what about people in other countries that actually build their houses out of it? Love it! In the end, he sums up his feelings on poop—it’s, of course, ‘Poopendous!’ Mike Moran’s illustrations are super cute. If you have a preschooler who is reluctant to go number 2 in the potty, get this book! There are sure to be giggles abound when you share this book in a classroom. It goes perfect with a unit on digestion with a health curriculum or even in science with a plant unit. You can try to answer questions after reading the book and do further research, ‘Why does manure help plants grow better? Why does everyone poop?’ This book will catch children’s attention; and from it, you can teach these objectives in health and science!”
--- Margo Dill
The July Book of the Month!
“Artie Bennett is the clever children’s author of two of my son’s favorite books. I featured Bennett’s giggle-inducing book, The Butt Book, last year and could not resist featuring his latest creation, Poopendous!, as this month’s must-have children’s book. Artie Bennett’s newest story covers a loaded topic that is immensely funny and surprisingly educational. Poopendous! engages my 4-year-old son’s mind and tickles his funny bone. He simply adores this book. We have actually read Poopendous! so many times that my son recites it from memory. Poopendous! takes you on a fun adventure discovering the many practical uses of poop. This story captures children’s attention and quenches their thirst for knowledge. Before Poopendous! arrived on our doorstep, the topic of poop was limited to dirty diapers and potty training. Now after reading Poopendous! nearly a hundred times, many insightful conversations have been initiated by my son regarding poop and its many uses. The story flows amazing well with Bennett’s clever rhyming words and the funny illustrations by Mike Moran. I can honestly say I never thought I would enjoy a book about poop but Poopendous! is an engaging story that you won’t soon forget.”
--- The Children’s Nook
A Hilarious, Educational Book About Poop for Your Kids
“Poopendous! was far better than I could have expected. Through great, colorful images and humorous yet educational words, Artie takes us on a journey around the world to learn all about poop. Poopendous! would make a great addition to any kid’s library. With school starting again soon, it would make a great addition to your child’s classroom or school library as well.”
--- Jersey Family Fun
“Artie Bennett is one of my absolute favorite children’s authors. He has an incredible talent for writing catchy tales that children of all ages absolutely love! When Artie contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing his new book, I very enthusiastically said yes! I had such a blast reviewing The Butt Book and thought that Poopendous! would be just as much fun. This book is full of great information and Artie’s talent for writing clever, rhyming children’s stories has always kept my son’s attention. We absolutely love this book and have already read it several times. This is a great book to read together with a child that is learning to read or as an amusing bedtime story. I am very impressed with Artie Bennett and each of his adorable books. Children of every age will really enjoy Poopendous! I highly recommend this book to parents and grandparents of younger children that are learning to read, children that are being potty-trained or anyone looking for an amusing bedtime story to read with their children.
Shopaholic Rating: 6 out of 5 Shopping Bags.
Usually when I’m this anxious about something, I work myself up so much I end up disappointed, but this book actually exceeded even my highest expectations. I absolutely love this book!”
--- Shopaholic Mommy
“The great rhyming dissertation with equally funtastic drawings make this book about #2 a #1 best kids nonfiction easy reader picture book.”
--- Scottsdale Public Library
“Wearing safari-ready attire, mustachioed Professor Pip Poopdeck takes readers on a fearless expedition to the heart of fecal matter. Bennett, whose The Butt Book inhabited similar territory, addresses this subject with a nimble rhyme: ‘Rabbit pellets, raccoon tubes, / Owl whitewash, and wombat cubes./ Camel poop is desert-dry. / Wet poop comes from birds on high.’ Besides being a perennially funny topic of conversation for kids, poop has its uses, too, from transporting seeds to serving as fertilizer: ‘Poop enriches soil that’s poor. / Grow umpteen beans and greens galore!’ Moran’s vibrant, Cartoon Network–ready digital art features a pair of children accompanying the professor and, of course, a bevy of animals doing their duty. There are kernels of wisdom to be found in Poopdeck’s lecture, but the main point is entertainment.”
--- Publishers Weekly
“The Tao of Poo, revealed! In 2010, Artie Bennett gave us his hilarious classic, The Butt Book, an irreverent ode to that much-ignored body part. He now returns with what is, quite literally, his ‘number two’ book Poopendous!, best described by its own byline, ‘The inside scoop on every type and use of poop.’ Mike Moran’s colourful illustrations are zany, and a terrific complement to Artie’s rib-tickling prose. Much like its cheeky predecessor, Poopendous! is wacky, inventive and a laugh riot from the go. On page one, we meet our genial narrator, Professor Pip Poopdeck (rather appropriately emerging from an outhouse), expert on a subject most folks would find icky-poo. ‘To read this book,’ he cautions. ‘You must be strong. Just hold your nose and come along!’ What follows is a whirlwind tour though the animal world, and a close look at the one routine that every creature in it has in common—“from aardvarks to the humped zebu.” Why shy away, Poopdeck asks, from something so natural, so diverse, (and so conducive to rhyme). And why be scared of something that can actually be put to use—as fuel, as construction material, even jewelry. From farmers to Masai tribesmen to Mongol yurt-dwellers, people around the world have come to appreciate the wonders of poop. Thanks to Artie Bennett, we now join the enlightened. One small quibble—I found no mention of two especially innovative uses of poop—jumbo poo paper and biogas. But don’t let that stop you picking up Poopendous! for its goofy verse, delightful illustrations and the promise of a few good belly laughs.”
--- Saffron Tree
“I love the way he tied in the different words for poop in the rhyming scheme. There’s a lot more information in this book than I expected. It’s good! There’s lots I didn’t know, especially the shapes of poop. It’s really well done. I like the illustrations. There’s a lot to talk about. This would be a good book to do with a smaller group of children. It would be good for story time, good in a second- or third-grade classroom, excellent for vocabulary! If you’re doing the common core and you’re trying to incorporate it into a science or nature lesson, Poopendous! would be great! I give it two thumbs up! We like Poopendous!”
--- CYA: Podcast (Oklahoma librarians’ podcast blog)
“Bennett’s use of rhyming text, dialogue and educational tidbits about—you guessed it—poop, mixed with his sense of humour and colorful, funny illustrations from Mike Moran blend to make this an amusing and enlightening read. Bennett captures the curiosity and boldness that children display when they want to know about a topic. He clearly states that . . . “now you have the inside scoop on every type and use of poop . . . Why should such wondrous stuff offend us?” Indeed! Children will learn that in some parts of the world, dung is used to fertilize soil, to make a fire for cooking, to seal native shacks and more. My son thought this was a cool book because of these fascinating facts. He also thought it funny and he liked the illustrations. He liked learning about poop especially after having seen fossilized dinosaur poop at the museum last year, but he did think some uses of it in some countries was ‘ew!’ gross. This book is ideal for the curious kid (or adult) 4 years and older. It grabs your attention from beginning to end with witty text and eye-catching illustrations. I had fun reading it with my son and it will claim a spot in our library as a memorable read even years after my kids have grown. Note: This book is rated C = clean read (even though the topic may not be! Ha!)”
--- Library of Clean Reads
“When you were a little kid, you probably heard your mother say, ‘Eeeeuuuuuww, don’t pick that up!’ There were lots of nasty, icky things that you thought were interesting then (and you might still), but that your mother knew were definitely meant to be left alone. Mud, for instance, bugs, or yucky stuff that was outside way too long. Bleah.Those were the things you learned to ignore, but there’s one icky substance that’s actually very useful and kinda cool. In the new book Poopendous! by Artie Bennett, illustrations by Mike Moran, you’ll see what it is. What in the world would we do without doo-doo? Read this book and find out. You’ll be the most poopular kid in the neighborhood. So your child has made exploration his doodie . . . er, duty? He thinks scat is all that? So why not step in his world and read to him something he’ll love? Yes, indeed, Poopendous! is cute. The rhyme that makes the story will give your child piles of giggles. But author Artie Bennett also teaches kids a smidge of science and a bit of biology inside this book, a benefit that doesn’t wipe away the silliness one bit. Add in illustrations by Mike Moran that run poopendicular to the narrative, and you’ve got a book that kids will never want to leave alone. Meant for children ages 5-7, I think this book might de-squirm the right preschooler, too. If your child wants the scoop on poop, Poopendous! is a book to pick up.”
--- Savannah Morning News
“In rhyming couplets, Professor P. Poopdeck gives readers ‘the inside scoop on every type and use of poop!’ For example, termites pile their poop high in mounds, while ‘dung beetles roll it into balls to gobble up when hunger calls.’ Some creatures ‘use poop to mark their scent’ or to signal, ‘this is MY turf—STAY AWAY!’ The cartoon-style pictures are lighthearted and entertaining, but really—should illustrations about poop be anything but fun? Larger libraries looking to increase circulation to young patrons who laugh at any mention of the word will want to consider this offering. Pair it with Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants books and Taro Gomi’s Everyone Poops for a poop-tastic display.”
--- School Library Journal
“Children’s book author Artie Bennett has done the impossible—twice. He has made backsides, and the products of them, humorous reading fare for children. First, he wrote The Butt Book, his educational debut laced with humorous rhyme modeled from the anatomical books by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. It appears there is no subject Mr. Bennett can’t make entertaining, and he’s done it again with Poopendous! which was published earlier this year.”
--- The Southampton Press
“Artie Bennett is the author of two picture books young children likely will find screamingly funny. His rhyming books — you’ll note a common theme — are The Butt Book (illustrated in colorful scratchboard by Mike Lester) and Poopendous! (illustrated in antic cartoons by Mike Moran). Of the two, Poopendous! which offers ‘the inside scoop on every type and use of poop,’ is the more gross but also the more informative. In fact, its narrator is Professor P. Poopdeck who, outfitted like a jungle explorer, is first shown exiting an outhouse and poop-orting (sorry) to offer the reader a tour of the wide world of, well, you get the idea: ‘We’re exploring a substance that most have ignored,
An ickypoo subject folks don’t care to visit, Quite putrid and shocking and horrid — or is it?’ The scoop on poop is interesting. For example, guano is an Incan word; termites use their own feces to make their mounds; critters that ‘feast on fruits help the plants to put down roots;’ and bears mark their territory — guess how? Kids may or may not care. What they’ll definitely go for is the gross stuff, like the blonde mom with shopping bags stepping on a dog’s mess, apes using their own digestive products as projectiles and souvenir earrings made of moose dung. If you’re thinking, oh swell, just the kind of entertainment I want for my child — get over it. Young children, reeling from the rigors of potty training while also trying to sort out what’s OK to say in company, are the ideal audience for books highlighting the absurdity of bodily functions. That’s the word from librarians interviewed by professor Ann Curry, of the University of Alberta, for her paper, ‘Bums, Poops and Pees: A Scholarly Examination of Why Children Love and Adults Censor the Scatological in Children’s Books.’ Curry’s paper, presented in May at a Canadian conference on the humanities, acknowledges some parents’ worry that books such as Bennett’s or the wildly popular Walter, the Farting Dog and Captain Underpants series may lead to unruly, anti-authoritarian behavior in their kids. Librarians pooh-pooh this idea, arguing these books are a perfectly good gateway to all kinds of literature — especially for boys, who frequently are reluctant readers.”
--- Centre Daily Times
“Professor Pip Poopdeck discusses types of animal waste (‘Rabbit pellets, raccoon tubes, owl whitewash, and wombat cubes’) and how that waste is used by animals (‘Termites found above the ground poop to make a mighty mound’) or humans (‘The Mongol yurt, a native shack, is often sealed with dung of yak’). Amusing cartoonlike art illustrates the humorous, informative text.”
--- The Horn Book Guide (Fall 2012)
“This story is both educational and laugh-out-loud funny. Poopendous! takes readers on an adventurous ride to discover the many practical uses of poop. The story, which masterfully uses rhyme and eye-popping illustrations from cover to cover, is actually not gross, but a funny text meant to entertain and prove to kids that reading can be educational and fun.”
--- Nassau Parent
“With hilarious verses and eye-popping illustrations, Poopendous! will delight preschoolers and their parents alike. Bring on the giggles with this one.”
--- Mahoning Valley Parent
“‘Matt said the F-word!’ tattled five-year old Maya as my sweet little kindergartners did their morning color, cut and paste. I was shocked, but not so much when I learned that the F-word in question ended in -art. Children are intrigued by smells, noises and products of the bathroom. This month the Key School welcomes a writer who turns references to bodily functions into kid-friendly and kid-appropriate art. Take the little ones to the school’s Book Festival on Saturday, April 13, to meet Artie Bennett, a master of children’s literature who appeals to youngsters’ (and yours too, admit it!) love of potty humor. Bennett is the author of The Butt Book and will be in Annapolis with his newest literary endeavor: Poopendous! Professor Pip Poopdeck, who admits his subject is ‘icky- poo,’ takes Poopendous! readers on a world tour of customs and uses of animal and human waste. Tossing out toddler words for number two, the professor introduces more descriptive terms like ‘wombat cubes’ and ‘owl whitewash.’ He says animals use their business to mark their territory or just to say I was here! (Sounds like smelly graffiti.) Kids will be surprised and maybe grossed out to learn that some African tribesmen live in houses made from cow dung. That’s no odder than slinging cow pies for sport at American county fairs. The book is silly fun packed with serious educational information. Bennett’s rhymes and Mike Moran’s colorful cartoonish illustrations make the book a joy for kids and adults.”
--- Bay Weekly