This hilarious picture book tells the tale of a little mole who wakes up one morning only to have one of the other animals 'do its business' on his head. The Little Mole then sets out to track down the culprit to exact his revenge in his own little way. This new anniversary edition is a fantastic way to introduce children to the amazing world of books.

A phenomenal success since its publication in 1989, The Story of the Little Mole has delighted adults and children alike to become an all-time humour classic. This hilarious picture book tells the tale of a little mole who wakes up one morning only to have one of the other animals 'do its business' on his head. The Little Mole then sets out to track down the culprit to exact his revenge in his own little way. This new anniversary edition is a fantastic way to introduce children to the amazing world of books. This children's classic by story and illustrator duo Werner Holzwarth and Wolf Erlbruch is now reissued in a special anniversary edition, with accompanying marketing and publicity campaign.

When Little Mole tries to find out who pooped on his head, the other animals show him how they poop in order to prove their innocence.

Grade level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, k, p, e, i, t.

A masterful writing style that is not only unique in biology but without equal in the whole of Dutch literature. The Story of Shit shows Dekkers once again to be in possession of a golden pen.’ New Scientist We are very discreet. We disappear into a small room, perform the task, flush, wash and reappear as if nothing happened. Of course, hygiene is necessary—some faecal bacteria, if re-ingested, can cause very serious problems—and unpleasant aromas are best kept at bay. But in all this hygienic discretion have we lost touch with an integral part of ourselves—something as much a part of living as breathing, eating and sleeping? Something enriching, creative and even enjoyable. In The Story of Shit, Dutch biologist Midas Dekkers presents a personal, cultural, scientific, historical and environmental account of shit, from the digestive process and the fascinating workings of the gut, to the act of defecation and toilet etiquette. With irreverent humour and a compelling narrative style, Dekkers brings a refreshing, entertaining and illuminating perspective to a once-taboo subject. Midas Dekkers is a bestselling Dutch writer and biologist. His books include Physical Exercise, The Way of All Flesh, Dearest Pet and The Larva. Nancy Forest-Flier is a Dutch-to-English translator. She was educated in the USA and now lives in the Netherlands. ‘Dekkers is a reservoir of knowledge (and shit). Fans of his humorous, distinctly European and meandering style of prose will enjoy The Story of Shit, which includes a collection of delightful black-and-white illustrations.’ Australian ‘For those who aren’t aware: we are not our brain, we are our gut. There is always that unmistakable Midas touch: his brilliant, sharp style makes it hard to suppress a laugh or a smile.’ Medisch Contact ‘Dekkers doesn’t hold back in his brimming history...You learn a lot...So, do I recommend a book that tells how the CIA tried using transmitters disguised as tiger turds to eavesdrop on the Viet Cong? Oh...faeces, yes.’ New Zealand Listener ‘It is such a wondrous thing when a scientist can explain facts in a humorous, straightforward and thrilling fashion.’ Toowoomba Chronicle ‘[A] remarkable foray into every aspect of diet, digestion and defecation...This is a fascinating, milestone work that should run out of bookshops like shit off a hot shovel.’ GPSpeak ‘A funny but earnest investigation—part social history, biology lesson and cultural study—that takes Chaucerian delight in the subject.’ Sydney Morning Herald ‘The Story of Shit is entertaining, amusing, educational and revealing...Sitting on the toilet will never be the same’ ArtsHub ‘A fascinating, very funny look at something common to us all.’ Daily Telegraph ‘[An] utterly unique, bizarre and interesting take on this universal-yet-taboo topic...Dekkers is an enthusiastic proponent of crap.’ AU Review ‘Intestinal fortitude required. Prudes beware.’ North & South ‘Packed with humour..The Story of Shit is an enjoyable romp through culture, science, and history.’ Australian Book Review

It is often assumed that picturebooks are for very young readers because of their emphasis on the illustrations and their scarcity of text; however, there are increasing numbers of picturebooks where the age of the implied reader is questionable. These are picturebooks whose controversial subject matter and unconventional, often unsettling style of illustration challenge the reader, pushing them to question and probe deeper to understand what the book is about. In addition to the book challenging the reader, the reader often challenges the book in an attempt to understand what is being said. These increasingly popular picturebooks work on many different levels; they are truly polysemic and worthy of in-depth analysis. They push the reader to ask questions and in many instances are intrinsically philosophical, often dealing with fundamental life issues. Challenging and Controversial Picturebooks examines these unconventional, non-conformist picturebooks, considering what they are, their audience and their purpose. It also considers: Children’s and adults’ thoughts on these kinds of picturebooks. How challenging and unsettling wordless picturebooks can play with the mind and promote philosophical thought. What creates non-conformity and strangeness ... is it the illustrations and their style, the subject matter or a combination of both? Why certain countries create, promote and accept these picturebooks more than others. Why certain picturebooks are censored and what factors are in play when these decisions are made. The role of publishers in translating and publishing these picturebooks. Children’s creative and critical responses to strange, unsettling and often disturbing visual texts. This inspiring and thought-provoking volume explores the work of a number of highly respected, international picturebook experts and includes an exclusive interview with the legendary Klaus Flugge, Managing Director of Andersen Press, one of the few remaining independent children’s book publishers in England. It is an indispensable reference for all interested in or working with picturebooks, including researchers, students in higher and teacher education, English advisors/inspectors, literacy consultants and classroom teachers.