Cover Image: World of Rot

World of Rot

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Member Reviews

This is such a fun, informative, well-illustrated book on decay and composition. Both my 6 and 7 year old were enthralled. The format, explanations, and level of detail was balanced and entertaining. I can’t wait to pick up this hard copy as I know it’ll be read through for several years to come.

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Amazing books about small organisms that help us continue to thrive on earth! I love the illustrations and the simple explanations. Each chapter tells stories and brings awareness. Recommended!

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It weird, its gross, its unusual but informative. Kids will learn alot from this book about how those creepy crawlers do the dirty work to help our planet.

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A comprehensive and unique, funny and creative book about rot. It can be read in order or be used a reference book on the topic of rot. The aesthetic style is both warm and a bit grotesque - fitting. The language is witty - a bit sardonic? Though this is fresh and fitting too.

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It's amazing to learn how tiny decomposers play a significant role in our ecosystem. "World of Rot" is a book that delves into the lives of these organisms that perform the essential task of breaking down organic matter, making our planet habitable. This book takes us on a journey through decomposition, exploring how it occurs in animals, birds, and sea creatures, as well as in our own homes and even within ourselves. The authors also introduce us to the concept of fermented foods and fungi. Additionally, an extensive list of decomposers is mentioned that contribute to the maintenance of a clean ecosystem.

The book provides answers to many "why" questions commonly asked by children. A few pages of the book helps children understand what happens when their pet passes away, using language such as a permanent nap instead of death.

Appreciate the bright artwork. Both middle-grade children and adults will gain a deeper understanding from this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

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The World of Rot was such a fun read! With amazing illustrations and humorous explanations, this book is perfect for learning about processes of compost and decay.

It answers questions about why rotting organisms smell, what happens when a whale dies, and what critters are behind so much of the decomposition we might encounter in our daily lives. There are many activities in the book that are sure to help kids engage with the topic. I think this would be a great addition to classrooms and could make for some fun class lessons.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC!

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This book was very informative and interesting while also being easy to understand even for someone who is not a native English speaker. The art that accompanied all the information was really colorful and cheerful and made it fun to turn each page. If you're into biology, but you are not already very knowledgeable about it, this is for you. If you have any phobias about germs, then maybe skip this one

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I requested this (and then immediately ordered it anyway) because we have quite a few regulars who are really into fungi. Surprisingly, there aren’t a ton of books about fungi for kids, and one of our regulars has already read everything we have! As someone who is NOT a fan of fungi, I appreciate that this is an illustrated book rather than a photorealistic one. But it gets into more than just mushrooms - there’s information about composting, and what happens to animal remains, and the fact that decomposition happens everywhere, not just on damp logs in the woods. The third section (meet the decomposters) will definitely satisfy any fungi-loving kid. And the illustrations are kitschy enough not to ick out even the most squeamish kid (or adult!). There’s also a set of fun experiments to do at home to learn even more about the world of rot!

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This would be a great addition to an elementary science unit, especially on the natural world, earth science, bugs, etc. It would also be a great addition to an elementary library for this same reason. I was hoping it would be a good supplemental material for our high school library for students who are struggling with science. However, the illustrations are very unique, which I think would make it wonderful and engaging for elementary, and I think they skew too young for secondary readers. The information is very informative, factual, and engaging but the illustrations are too "artsy" and young for older children. I'd definitely recommend it to any upper elementary student or school!

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Very fascinating look at all things decay and decomposition in the natural world. This is one that I definitely want in our permanant collection!

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The book is as you would expect, kind of gross but in a good way as it's all about things that ROT! I can see kids loving this type of book. It's quite informative. It's jam-packed with information on all kinds of different things that rot—recommended for older children since animals and humans are mentioned for decomposition.

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I loved this book (as an adult). I thought the illustrations were beautiful and I found it so interesting.I’m not sure what age range it would appeal to though. I thought from the description my kids would love it as it was all about slime and worms and gross things that little boys love but it was far too technical for them. I think the ages that the language and scientific nature would probably resonate with would be less interested in the grossness of rot and decomposition! All that said, I think it’s such an interesting read and stunning book and definitely one of a kind. I really loved it

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‘World of Rot: Learn All about Wriggly, Slimy, Super-Cool Decomposers We Couldn’t Live Without’ written by Britt Crow-Miller.

My son and I enjoyed this book. It’s a wonderful children’s book that explains decay and decomposition. This would be a great book to supplement a science/biology course for younger children. It’s an easy read of a few pages before bed or in short sections to further discuss the “world of rot.” This book covers a variety of topics and has something new for everyone. The home science experiments were a great addition to this book.

This book really would be great for individuals of all ages who are interested in decomposition and decay. It would be a great book to add to a classroom library in the science/biology section.

Thank you #NetGalley and #StoreyPublishing for the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for a review. All opinions and thoughts are those of my own. #WorldofRot #NetGalley

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This is a really great book that explores the importance of rot and decay. It uses informative language that is age appropriate to teach children that different processes and roles of rot.

My only issue is that the illustration style is very busy and distracting.

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Very extensive book on the decomposition process and all of the natural elements involved in that. I liked the inclusion of the activities towards the end and they seem like they could be fun to with younger children.
Illustrations were great.
Only slight critique is that the language might be a little too advanced for younger children - eventhough the pictures cater to a younger audience. I would have liked to see a slightly more simplified language

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Interesting and engaging. The author did a great job of explaining complex concepts . Artwork is beautiful

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I really enjoyed the book, it's perfect for any nature lovers and anyone interested in biology.

The illustrations are beautiful for the subject matter. They are bold and easy to catch your eye especially for younger audience. My favourite part was the 5 different stages of an animal decomposition.

This book brought back memories of my university days, when I was studying for my photography degree. One unit I had to create a project based around a letter, I was using a paint balling one. This lead me to the idea of pain and then onto the idea of death. Where I decided to photograph decaying animals (roadkill, I should point out) which for my final pieces I was photographing taxidermy and styled to look like paintings.

I would have definitely would have loved this as a child. As it has always been a fascination of mine about life and death. This book suddenly doesn't shy upon the theme. Death needs to spoken about a lot more with younger people and make it more normal rather than being viewed as a taboo. This is nature and this is what happens. Rot is one of the most important things for our ecosystems. It's natures way of recycling. To help make everything grows, stay health and to get food that everyone needs. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about decaying and a very good book to have in libraries and schools.

Thank you Netgalley and Storey Publishing for a copy of the book for an honest review.

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This book was super cute! I have a young daughter that I will definitely be sharing this with this spring. I think it's a great teaching tool for both parents and educators. Illustrated beautifully, this book is a really great choice for an informative look into composting. While this is geared towards younger kids, I think this is consumable by many. Thank you for letting me read this arc! :)

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A unique book detailing the process of decay in a child-friendly manner with gorgeous illustrations and clear explanations to support understanding. As a teacher, I will definitely be recommending that my school purchase this book, as well as recommending it to colleagues.
I learned plenty as I was reading this and I throughly enjoyed the journey that it took me on as I explored the World of Rot! It was packed with information and is perfectly pitched at children with its (brilliantly gross) details and illustrations.

Thank you to Britt Crow-Miller and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Beyond impressed with this children's nonfiction book. Kids who are interested in "gross" stuff like worms, mold, and bugs will want to check this one out, and kids who are grossed out or even have a phobia of these things would surely be comforted to learn about how the gross parts of nature are here for a reason - to break down nutrients so new life can grow. The illustrations are both beautiful and fun, and the text is brilliantly written to help kids understand complicated topics. I actually learned a ton from this book myself! I would 100% recommend for a children's library or science class.

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