Icky World: We Need MUD!

by Addy Farmer

Published 9 November 2023

Get to know the icky but important MUD that keeps nature running!

It's time to show MUD some LOVE! This book is an icky, drippy celebration of the incredible work mud does all day long. Mud is a home, a defence, a climate protector, a work of art and lots and lots of fun, too!

Icky World takes a look at the science of the messiest parts of nature and reminds us all to protect these icky but important bits of our precious planet. Each book has been reviewed and endorsed by an expert in the relevant branch of science and supports curriculum learning in the areas of science and ecology for ages 6 and up.

In praise of Icky World: We Need MUD!
"Mud is a much neglected topic. Today with a fear of dirt and germs we avoid and hide away from mud and peat and similar revolting substances. However, we all need to embrace the muddiness of our world which helps the ecological wheels turn and supports all manner of wonderful wildlife and also importantly food production too. So far from avoiding mud, peat, and similar ooze and goo, we must protect and nurture our muddy world. Indeed, I would go further and advocate how adults and children alike must be champions for Icky Ecology, seize the moment and squelch the mud pies. Only then will you achieve truly muddy enlightenment. Read this book and enjoy."
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, Professor of Environmental Geography, Reader in Tourism and Environmental Change and author of Peatlands: Ecology, Conservation and Heritage

Just some of the contents of Icky World: We Need MUD!:
How does your garden grow?, icky PEAT, muddy beasts, amazing mud burrows, icky ecosystems, muddy building, mud art, muddy history, muddy problems and how to stick with mud ... and save our world!

Titles in the series:
We Need MUD
We Need SLIME
We Need POO
We Need FUNGUS


Icky World: We Need SLIME!

by Addy Farmer

Published 14 September 2023

Get to know the icky but important SLIME that keeps nature running!

It's time to show SLIME some LOVE! This book is an icky, sticky celebration of the incredible work slime does all day long. Slime is a shield, a weapon, a climate protector, a nursery and lots of fun, too.

Icky World takes a look at the science of the messiest parts of nature and reminds us all to protect these icky but important bits of our precious planet. Each book has been reviewed and endorsed by an expert in the relevant branch of science and supports curriculum learning in the areas of science and ecology for ages 6 and up.

In praise of Icky World: We Need SLIME!
"Can a book on slime be delightful? This one is: delightfully gross, icky and disgusting but also informative, hands-on and a joy to read. This is the perfect gift for kids who want to know more, look deeper - and keep the whole family entertained. I loved it."
Susanne Wedlich, author of Slime: A Natural History

Just some of the contents of Icky World: We Need SLIME!
Slimy microbes, slimy humans, slimy sea creatures, plant slime, slime moulds, slimy algae helping others and how to SAVE THE SLIME!

Titles in the series:
We Need MUD
We Need SLIME
We Need POO
We Need FUNGUS


Icky World: We Need FUNGUS!

by Addy Farmer

Published 9 November 2023

Get to know the icky but important FUNGI that keep nature running!

It's time to show FUNGI some LOVE! This book is an icky, mouldy celebration of the incredible work fungus does all day long. Fungus is a generous food-sharer, an air-purifier, a communication network and lots of fun, too.

Icky World takes a look at the science of the messiest parts of nature and reminds us all to protect these icky but important bits of our precious planet. Each book has been reviewed and endorsed by an expert in the relevant branch of science and supports curriculum learning in the areas of science and ecology for ages 6 and up.

In praise of Icky World: We Need FUNGUS!
"This is an excellent fun-fungi fact book to enjoy at school, with the family or on your own! Simply explained but retaining all the scientific accuracy. A fantastic resource to inspire the next generation of fungi lovers."
Dr. Ester Gaya, Senior Research Leader, Comparative Fungal Biology at Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Just some of the contents of Icky World: We Need FUNGUS!
Fungi and insects, lichens - a special partnership, fungi extremes, fungi - the wonder medicine?, fungi as food and food for thought and what you can do for a fungus near you.

Titles in the series:
We Need MUD
We Need SLIME
We Need POO
We Need FUNGUS


Icky World: We Need POO!

by Addy Farmer

Published 14 September 2023

Get to know the icky but important POO that keeps nature running!

It's time to show POO some LOVE! This book is an icky, stinky celebration of the incredible work poo does all day long. Poo is a home, a defence, a nursery, a seed-sower and lots of laughs, too.

Icky World takes a look at the science of the messiest parts of nature and reminds us all to protect these icky but important bits of our precious planet. Each book has been reviewed and endorsed by an expert in the relevant branch of science and supports curriculum learning in the areas of science and ecology for ages 6 and up.

In praise of Icky World: We Need POO!
"If children can learn to be curious (as well as careful!) about poo, they might just grow up to be scientists who will help us turn billions of tonnes of stinky waste into a source of life.

Addy Farmer has written an entertaining and informative book about poo that every kid (and their parents!) should read. Learning more about poo, and thinking about it in different ways, might help us recreate a green, renewable Earth. Wash your hands. Read on. As Ms Farmer says: Poo is power!

People and other animals poop out billions of tonnes of valuable resources every year. What a waste! In nature, poo is a way for plants and animals to help each other live and grow. It's a language of conversation among all living things. If we can learn from other animals, poo can be used to enrich the soil, grow food, give us renewable energy, and keep our drinking water clean."
David Waltner-Toews, O.C. Author of The Origin of Feces: What Excrement Tells Us About Evolution, Ecology and a Sustainable Society

Just some of the contents of Icky World: We Need POO!
Plants love poo, poo in the oceans, poo as the animals do, poo homes, humans use poo too, poo problems and what you can do ... for poo!

Titles in the series:
We Need MUD
We Need SLIME
We Need POO
We Need FUNGUS