Haiku, Ew!: Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature

Fantastic for teaching Haiku poetry. My 3rd graders love this book!

Learned a lot of new things that I kinda wish I didn't learn. I'm sure I am not the target audience for this book but I will be sure to buy a copy for my elementary school. The 3rd grade boys are going to love it.

What a brilliant concept! Poetry, science, and humor come together in this unique book about the disgusting side of nature. I have no doubt the gross facts will elicit groans and giggles from all ages. It’s perfect for a science or language arts classroom, but even the youngest readers at home will enjoy the short poems, interesting facts, and fun illustrations.

This book is a gem! Love the science facts mixed in with gross and hilarious details. Such a wonderful piece. I’m so glad I own it and you should get yourself a copy too :)

Wonderful non-fiction information with a real hook for learners in grades 2-6: things that are disgusting!! Each full page spread includes a haiku about an animal, a text box with detailed information about the subject’s disgusting adaptation, and vividly hand-drawn/digitally colored illustration. There are whale and fish farts, babies that squirt out of boil like places on momma frog, and even an animal that pees from its face! Terrific back matter adds to the cross curricular applications and includes extension ELA activities in poetry and website URLs that connect students with videos, photos and more facts about each animal’s behavior. Highly recommended for libraries and classrooms serving grades 2-6. A 2025-2026 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Lynn Brunelle's "Haiku, ew" is a delightful and whimsical exploration of the ancient Japanese art form of haiku poetry, infused with a playful twist that is sure to charm readers of all ages. Through a unique blend of humor, creativity, and insightful observations, Brunelle invites readers on a journey into the unexpected world of haiku. One of the most refreshing aspects of "Haiku, ew" is its approachable and lighthearted tone. Brunelle effortlessly combines traditional haiku structure with contemporary language and themes, resulting in poems that are both accessible and entertaining. Each haiku is a miniature masterpiece, capturing moments of humor, wonder, and everyday absurdity with wit and flair. The illustrations in "Haiku, ew" are a delightful complement to the poems, adding an extra layer of whimsy and charm to the collection. Rendered in a colorful and playful style, the illustrations bring each haiku to life, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the world of the poems and discover new details with each reading. While "Haiku, ew" is primarily aimed at a younger audience, adults will also find much to enjoy in its pages. Brunelle's clever wordplay and astute observations make for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, regardless of age. Whether you're a seasoned haiku enthusiast or a newcomer to the art form, "Haiku, ew" offers something for everyone to enjoy. One minor critique of "Haiku, ew" is that some readers may find the humor to be a bit juvenile at times. While the playful tone is part of the book's charm, there are moments where the humor feels a bit forced or overdone. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise delightful collection. In conclusion, "Haiku, ew" by Lynn Brunelle is a charming and inventive exploration of haiku poetry that is sure to delight readers of all ages. With its whimsical humor, clever wordplay, and vibrant illustrations, it is a book that invites readers to slow down, savor the moment, and find beauty in the everyday.

I really enjoyed this book. I learned quite a bit and it did make me laugh. All the facts were interesting, gross, but interesting. Great illustrations. If you enjoy nature, highly recommend, I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A very descriptive book of all the EW’s of nature. I learned things I never knew. Herrings truly fart to speak…..I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t read it in this book. Read it and learn some disgusting facts to impress your friends!