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That's So Gross!

From bugs to smelly trash to bad ideas, the world is full of really gross stuff! But just because it's gross doesn't mean it can't be funny too. In these books recommended for kids ages 0-9, you'll read about out how dog breath can save the day, and how a U.S. President and a critter with an exoskeleton are able to find compromise. Just don't be surprised when you find yourself saying, "Eew! That's so gross!"

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Diary of a Worm
Diary of a Worm
By: Doreen Cronin
Illustrated by: Harry Bliss
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

What icky creature looks the same from both ends? The worm, of course! For the first time ever, get the insider’s view of life from this creepy crawler’s perspective. He lives underground with his family, eats his homework and does his best to annoy his sister — documenting it all in a diary. Simple illustrations are the ideal complement to the understated humor (though nonetheless laugh-out-loud tone) of the text.

Dog Breath
Dog Breath
By: Dav Pilkey
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Hally is the much loved pet of the Tosis family. They love everything about her except for her bad breath which may bring their happy days as a family to an end — that is until Hally saves the day by bungling burglars! This pun-filled text teams with laughs that come in a variety of smells.

Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog
By: Babette Cole
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Quirky but appealing, crass but informative, Dr. Dog is the Gumboyle family's pet beagle who provides health advice when they most need it, such as "don't scratch your bum and suck your thumb." Dr. Dog also gives competent counsel regarding certain culinary treats and their potential impact. Gross but funny, Dr. Dog provides digestible information.

Humbug Witch
Humbug Witch
By: Lorna Balian
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

A witch with long, stringy hair and a big nose — even a cat named Fred — can’t do very scary or even remotely witchy things. So after making Fred sick from her gross and disgusting potion, she takes off her witch gloves, her witch hat, and her witch mask — to reveal a little girl beneath. This satisfying story is once again available for a new generation.

I Stink!
I Stink!
By: Kate McMullan
Illustrated by: Jim McMullan
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Exuberant illustrations and varied typefaces show a trash truck’s pride in the important work he does. He eats an alphabet of really dreadful and smelly trash which makes the point that without this city service, “you’re on Mount Trash-o-rama, baby.” Now, that’s gross!

Smart Feller Fart Smeller & Other Spoonerisms
Smart Feller Fart Smeller & Other Spoonerisms
By: Jon Agee
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

William Archibald Spooner was really a professor at Oxford University (England) who was known for his wit and brains and was notorious for flip-flopping the initial sounds of words. This makes an intelligent man a “fart smeller” and complimenting a little girl with “dirty pimples.” A complete list of unscrambled answers to the questions posed is provided at the end.

The Book of Bad Ideas
The Book of Bad Ideas
By: Laura Huliska-Beith
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Ever tried to cram something in too small a space before you know if you can get it out — like a lima bean up your nose? Well, that’s just one of many really bad ideas presented in this very engaging book. Textured, high energy illustrations make the bad ideas and their unfortunate consequences virtually leap across the pages.

Trashy Town
Trashy Town
By: Andrea Zimmerman & David Clemesha
Illustrated by: Dan Yaccarino
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Trash isn’t gross with Mr. Gilly at the wheel of the collection truck. In fact, he is proud of his job picking up the trash around town — from the school to the pizza parlor. Boldly colored illustrations and a catchy rhyme tell the story of this Trashy Town — and how we all helped make it so!

What Are You So Grumpy About?
What Are You So Grumpy About?
By: Tom Lichtenfield
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

What makes YOU grumpy? Is it opening a birthday present and finding UNDERWEAR? (Oh, poop!) Is it getting a sloppy smooch from your aunt? (Oh, yuck!) Is it when your peas get into the GRAVY? (Oh, gross!) Playful illustrations and a humorous text capture the essence of the gross grumpies for kids of all ages.

Wilky the White House Cockroach
Wilky the White House Cockroach
By: Howie Schneider
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

What could be grosser than a cockroach on a pizza? A cockroach on a pizza in the Oval Office in the White House! That's just where young Wilky, struck with wanderlust, finds himself — setting off a Presidential chase with international implications. Cartoon art and sophisticated humor create an urbane look at pests in the White House.

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