Emma Dodson

This book is an absolute riot! In English, the title translates to: "The Most Disgusting Book of the Human Body," and it truly is. The book uses funny (albeit graphic) illustrations, pop-ups, and more to make this the most fun and interesting informational book I have ever seen. If there is a student struggling to become interested in informational texts, this book will cure him/her of this quickly! This book covers topics from farts, sweat, boogers, and more. However, although the topics are funny, the book offers sound, accurate information for students. I love that this book shows students that, yes, these things are normal, and yes, science can be funny.

I would use this book to help a student who is having a hard time leaving behind narrative texts (like Captain Underpants) and moving towards informational texts.… (mehr)

I had mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the illustrations of the book and how there were pop-outs that made the book more interactive. One page showed Speckle's report card and behavioral issues, another page showed a flyer of Mr. Flip Flap's flying flea circus, and the last page was a flap that showed Suzy, Speckle, and his family happily living together in the Bahamas. There were also other interactive aspects included in the book. For children who have trouble focusing, this book may be good for them to keep their hands and minds occupied. Although there were inactive aspects and it was well-written, I had trouble being pulled into the book and finding interest. The plot seemed like it would be suspenseful, showing the multiple encounters that Speckle had with the cat and human trying to kill him. Nevertheless, it was difficult for me to get into the flow of the book. I felt as if the writing itself just did not interest me. Some students that enjoy insects or bugs may find a liking to this book. However, I did not enjoy reading this book at all. I don't think that there are necessarily any issues that the author raised to further the thinking process of the readers while reading.… (mehr)

A badly drawn dog decides he needs a different look. But each time a "real" artist redraws him, something goes wrong. In the end, he decides he'd rather just be himself. The various art styles Badly Drawn Dog is recreated in are fun and the silly names will grab children's interest. The "just be yourself" theme is well-worn, and I can't help feeling that, at some point, telling kids it's bad to change your image can be just as stultifying as being forced to match someone else's idea of what you should be. Badly Drawn Dog isn't allowed to enjoy his new looks because his friend, Doodle the Poodle, is more comfortable with him unchanged. Eventually, he decides he's happier as he is. But he was happy with his new appearance until Doodle criticized him. I think Badly badly needs a new friend.

Verdict: Just my weird take on the story. The swirly, smudgy, art is fun though.

ISBN: 978-0340878064; Published January 2005 by Hodder Childrens (out of print); Borrowed from the library… (mehr)