Lavelle, Kari. Butt or Face? Sourcebooks Explore, 2023. 978-1-728-27117-0. 40 p. $14.99. Grades K-5.

Is it a butt or a face (insert uncontrollable giggles)? Through a series of 13 close-up photos, readers are asked to determine if each picture displays a butt or a face. And they will be surprised by some of the answers. In addition to correctly identifying which body part is shown, readers are given each creature’s name and some facts about it. Though the creatures may be unfamiliar (Cuyaba dwarf frog), each likely is related to a more common animal. The end of the book includes an author’s note, about the author, and map with accompanying table describing where each critter rests their butts and what goes in their faces. Useful for a science lesson, an introduction to animal research, or a hilarious read aloud, young learners will have fun guessing butt or face while the reader has a hard time keeping a straight face. Put this one in a featured display, but be prepared to replace it often.

THOUGHTS: If the title doesn’t catch the attention of young readers, the cover is sure to do the trick. Highly recommended for elementary collections.

Picture Book
571.31 Animal Anatomy