Gross Universe: Your Guide to All Disgusting Things Under the Sun. Jeff Szpirglas. Illustrated by Michael Cho. Toronto, ON: Maple Tree Press, 2004. 64 pp., pbk. & cl., $12.95 (pbk.), $21.95 (cl.). ISBN 1-894379-65-9 (pbk.), ISBN 1-894379-64-0. Subject Headings: Physiology-Juvenile literature. Human physiology-Juvenile literature. Parasites-Juvenile literature. Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13. Review by Linda Ludke. ***½ /4

excerpt:

Why is it that your stomach can find driving so off-putting? Constant jiggling during travel overstimulates the motion-sensing cells located in your inner ear. But if you're not looking out the window, you can't see why you're getting bumped. Your eyes tell your brain everything's nice and still; and your ears are trying to keep you balanced. Your brain receives so many conflicting messages that some of them "spill over" to activate the vomiting center in the brain. Soon enough, your parents are going to have to scrub the upholstery. So, the next time you spew on a plane, don't blame the catering. Blame your brain.

Blood, mucus, gas and skunk spray are just some of the topics covered in this crash course in grossology. Jeff Szpirglas revels in the repugnant, and chapters such as "House of Wax (And Other Leaky, Oozy Things)," "Spectacular Stenches," and "The School of Stool" present strange, but true scientific facts about the human body and the animal world.

     Michael Cho's comic-strip illustrations add to the playful irreverence. The pages are visually appealing with a variety of funny sidebars, including a message from the International Order of Dust Mites ("Dust: It's a gift that keeps on giving"). Cartoon bubbles feature the continuing conversations and arguments of Scientist A and Scientist B. Tongue-in-cheek experiments are included such as a black square entitled "Dandruff Landing Pad." Throughout the book, readers will find examples of "Games You Should Never Play," such as "Komodo Kissing Booth." As the text explains, the Komodo lizard has the deadliest breath in the world with over 50 strains of bacteria in its saliva.

     An editor and writer for Owl, Chirp and chickaDEE magazines, Szpirglas is adept at presenting science information to children. The lively and engaging writing includes comparisons that are meaningful and relevant to children's frame of reference: "3-4 mites can fit end-to-end on to the period at the end of this sentence"; "the human eye produces about a quarter of a teaspoon of tears a day." Liquid measurements are converted into the number of pop bottles that would be filled. On the “Acknowledgments” page, Szpirglas lists 38 experts he consulted while researching this book.

     Gross Universe is sure to elicit a response! While the faint of heart may squirm at reading about the horned lizard who can shoot a stream of blood from the corner of its eye, and the practice of treating wounds with maggots, fans of weird and offbeat facts will find this book irresistible.

Highly Recommended.

Linda Ludke is a librarian in London, ON.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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