The Gooey, Chewy, Rumble, Plop Book by Steve Alton & Nick Sharratt (ISBN 978-0-370-32914-7)

Never in all my years have I taken to a book as I did this one. Mighty praise indeed from someone who is quite particular about the books allowed to grace my home! The rather revolting title and unnecessarily life-like tongue on the front cover set the scene for a rip-roaring read for all ages and perhaps more surprisingly (at least for me); this book offers factual, if not valuable information about the human digestive system (children and adults alike will be particularly drawn to the fact files on poo). This is a prime example of books at their best - exploratory, reactionary, informative and fun!! So instead of the kids running around screaming about poo and bottoms - ok, so they'll still be shouting 'poo' but hopefully 'rectum' will have replaced bottom! Younger children will love the interaction and exploratory nature of this book, whilst older kids will learn and understand terms such as 'enzymes' and 'nutrients' seemingly by osmosis. Quite simply the best children's book I've seen for years - lets hope the authors do something similar with the respiratory system, blood circulation, organ functions, anatomy...