World of rot Learn all about the wriggly, slimy, super-cool decomposers we couldn't live without

Crow-Miller presents a three-part study of the world of decomposers and how shed or dead organic material turns into usable material for living things. Like a Mary Roach book for the young, this deep dive into decomposition begins with "the what, when, and why of rot," including what the world might look like if this process ceased. Part 2 presents observable examples of decomposition, including dry rot around the home and how aspects of rot, such as the smell, attract the right creatures to consume the decaying item while warding away whatever might become sickened. The final section profiles various decomposers (the "artists and magicians of decay"), categorizing them as saprotrophs, detritivores, or "support team" members. Besides delivering all this great science, the book is richly illustrated and in full color, looking almost like a child put together the layout using crayons. Maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone throughout, Crow-Miller discusses the positive aspects of decomposition while acknowledging its yucky side. "Rotten Activities, Explorations & Experiments" rounds out this enticing paean to putrescence.