I Stink!

by Kate and Jim McMullan

*ALA Notable Children's Book 2002

*Boston Globe/Horn Book Honors Award 2002

* Nevada State Award

*New Hampshire State Award

*School Library Journal Best Books 2002

Summary
Narrated by the neighborhood garbage truck, this colorful book with just as colorful and engaging language immediately attracts the interest of children. The garbage truck narrates what he does at night while all the children are sleeping: "Eat your TRASH, that's what. See those bags? I SMELL BREAKFAST!" He uses alliteration and car terms to describe his movements throughout the night while picking up trash, acknowledging the loudness of the trucks: "Did I wake you? Too bad!" In the middle of the book he explains his "alphabet soup", filled with grimy things such as Dirty Diapers, Fishheads, Moldy Meatballs, and Ugly Underpants. On the last two pages he asks, "What's that? You think I STINK? WHOOOOO-WHEE! Do I ever!....But think about it-WITHOUT ME? You're on Mount Trash-o-rama!"

Discussion
This book will leave kids giggling and talking about gross smells. Though obviously fictional, it could open the gate to talking about the necessity of garbage collectors, and it makes the garbage truck less scary, and perhaps more comical. The illustrations paired with the language in this book make it engaging for both adults and children. This was definitely a favorite in my household growing up, and I believe that it will withstand the test of time. Below is a video of a the book being read aloud paired with the wonderful illustrations.

McMullan, J., & McMullan, K. (2002). I Stink!. New York: HarperCollins.