Gross Universe cover

Gross Universe

by Jeff Szpirglas

Gross Universe is an eye-opening, sometimes stomach-turning, but always irresistibly entertaining exploration of the many physical things about animals, plants, and-of course-young readers themselves that often go politely unmentioned. From mucus to vomit, from farts to phlegm, nothing is off limits. Colorful photos and illustrations, coupled with author Jeff Szpirglas's wicked sense of humor, enliven the amazing parade of weird scientific facts. Presenting our gross microscopic friends, sweat and other malodorous excretions, mold, pus (a Perfectly Understandable Secretion), even fossilized dinosaur poop, the book is full of myriad delights waiting to be discovered. Gross Universe reveals a universe that may not always be pretty, but it's sure to keep children engrossed, laughing, and learning.

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?