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Does It Really Take Seven Years to Digest Swallowed Gum?

And Other Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask
by Sandy Donovan
40p. 978-0-82259-085-9.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4-6 These books feature popular sayings and beliefs. One spread discusses each entry and a conclusion is reached-the saying is true, untrue, or nobody knows. "Apple"examines assertions that chicken soup cures the common cold and that going outside with wet hair causes illness. Bromides discussed in "Gum"include whether a penny on the track can derail a train, and whether a chemical in swimming pools can detect urine. "Dog"focuses on beliefs pertaining to animals, such as the idea that camels store water in their humps and cats always land on their feet. Donovan's writings are humorous and straightforward, and the books' photos and drawings add to the humorous tone. These titles are similar to the books in Heinemann's "Body Matters" series and will be definite crowd pleasers, especially among reference buffs (the students who would check out the encyclopedias if they could).-"Katie Cerasale-Messina, AC Whelan Elementary School, Revere, MA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
This book poses seventeen random questions. The busy pages include graphics, photos, text boxes, and "Try This!" experiments. The kid-friendly topics range from the title question (answer: no) to what happens "when you bite on a Wint-O-Green Life Saver" and whether a penny can derail a train. Like gum, not much substance but diverting. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

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