Oh, Ick!

September 12, 2016
This follow-up to Masoff’s Oh, Yuck! (2000) delivers a surplus of opportunities to make messes. Alphabetically organized chapters cover everything from arachnids to zits (other squicky topics include eyeballs, garbage, halitosis, and worms), all explored thoroughly through experiments, photos, cartoon illustrations, and an entertaining narrative. Earwax-themed experiments include testing what substances do the best job of breaking down the “golden ear globs” and making “earwax lollipops” from maple syrup; intrepid readers can try dissecting beef kidney and lamb heart. The gross-out quotient has a natural draw, but there’s substantial scientific knowledge to be absorbed throughout. Ages 8–up.

November 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-This latest entry by Masoff features 37 alphabetically arranged entries on gross topics, from arachnids to zits. A brief introduction familiarizes readers with the scientific method and encourages them to follow safety guidelines. In addition, the author explains the "ick-speriments," "ick-tivities," and "ick-splorations" students will encounter. Most of the activities are labeled as such. Each appears in a boxed area with a clock that indicates the time needed to complete the project. A smaller boxed area lists the items required to complete the task. A numbered set of instructions direct students on how to complete the project. Many conclude with a "What Just Happened" section that discusses the science behind the result that was observed. The activities and experiments include making slime, collecting data on family trash production, and creating a mold zoo. The explorations are made up of activities such as going on a bug hunt and changing the color or smell of one's urine by eating certain foods. The writing is comical while still informative. The layout is busy, with photographs and cartoon drawings of silly and outrageous images on every spread. VERDICT A fun and educational read for enthusiasts of all things icky.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2016
From arachnids to zits, 114 "ick-speriments, ick-tivities, and ick-splorations" invite young experimenters to investigate the workings of their world.This lively title covers a selection of biological, chemical, physical, and earth science concepts through alphabetically organized subjects with gross kid appeal: slime, snot, and spit; mummies and sinkholes; farts and vomit; pee and poop; fossils and fungi; forensics; and waste of all kinds. Even when this companion to Oh, Yuck (2000) covers the same topic, both text and activities are different. The authors begin with the steps of the scientific method and safety rules. Connected activities are presented in recipe format with a list of ingredients, expected time, and clear step-by-step directions with photographs. Most materials are easily available. A "what just happened" section also explains the why of likely results. Safety precautions are stressed, and adult help is requested with stoves and sharp knives. Among the basic concepts are acids and bases, elements, molecules, chemical formulas, DNA, and human body systems. The energetic design includes cartoon illustrations; humans have varying skin tones. This collection should get plenty of use in homes, classrooms, and libraries as a resource for science-fair participants. The paper binding might not stand up to the wear, but the title is also available as an e-book. A lighthearted compendium of interesting information and engaging, hands-on activities with gobs of kid appeal. (index, credits not seen) (Nonfiction. 8-14)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.