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Butt or Face? #1
Butt or Face?: A Hilarious Animal Guessing Game Book for Kids
"The silly, simple premise is carried out splendidly; younger readers will be entranced by fascinating photos, bright colors, and googly eyes galore, while older readers will appreciate fast-fact boxes, clear explanations, and endless animal puns."― Booklist , STARRED Review Can YOU tell a butt from a face? Discover fascinating facts about animals with this hilarious guessing game picture book! Butt or Face offers kids a delightfully cheeky examine a close-up photo of an animal, and then guess whether you're looking at the top or the…um…bottom. The answer is revealed on the next page with a compete photo of the animal! Also included are factual animal details along with how these animals use camouflage or other trickery to engage with their home. Readers will discover animals like the Cuyaba dwarf frog whose backside looks like a pair of eyes, the Mary River turtle that breathes through its butt, and many more! Butt or Face? is perfect for parents and teachers looking
40 pages, Hardcover
Published July 11, 2023
20 people are currently reading
3428 people want to read
About the author
Kari Lavelle
14 books78 followersKari Lavelle is the author of WE MOVE THE WORLD (HarperCollins 2021), BUTT OR FACE (Sourcebooks, 2023) and AN ODE TO GRAPEFRUIT: HOW JAMES EARL JONES FOUND HIS VOICE (Knopf 2024). She has always had a love for words: as a kid reading books, as a speech pathologist helping children communicate, and now as a writer creating stories. She grew up in the Midwest but now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their two children, and doggo, Dobby. Learn more about Kari and her books at karilavelle.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
June 18, 2023
In a Nutshell: A fun + informative nonfiction picture book for little animal lovers. Enjoyed it!
Using the guessing game format, this book presents some odd close-up photos of animals and asks a simple question: Is that a *butt* or a *face*? Kids love potty humour, and using it as an educational device is a great way of *butt*ressing their knowledge while providing plenty of LOL moments.
The concept sounded entertaining and easy to *crack*. However, I almost ended up with egg on my *face* after my poor guesses.
Let’s *face* the simple fact. It is *butt* obvious that we are looking at some really weird *visages* or some really adorable *tushies*. However, getting to the *bottom* of the matter isn’t as straightforward. I had *ass*umed that my animal knowledge was quite strong, and yet I fell flat on my *bottom* by making some embarrassing goofs while guessing.
The photographs are stunning. A couple of the pics even made me laugh my *ass* off with their appearance. But a few were quite tricky and made me feel the pressure of saving my *face* and not becoming the *butt* of anyone’s jokes.
In *hind*sight, I didn’t expect to find new animals in this book. The content appears *face*tious, but the author’s choice of animals ensured that the book delivered on education too. Learning about unusual creatures from nature is always fun, even if they made me bust my *butt* guessing their names.
Furthermore, there was an interesting table at the *backside* of the book, providing information about the 14 creatures in the photos, specifically about what they eat and where they dwell. (You’ll love the column headings of the table!)
Don’t miss out on the author’s note at the *end*!
Recommended from the *bottom* of my heart to classrooms where little animal lovers can kick *butt* with their guesses! This book will work perfectly for ages 6-10. (Younger ones can have a fun time guessing the animals, but the vocabulary level in the explanations might be a bit difficult for them.)
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Kids and NetGalley for the DRC of “Butt or Face?”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Note: If any word in my review offends you, please do not *butt* heads with me. The book is written in a much more mature manner than this review. 😁
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Using the guessing game format, this book presents some odd close-up photos of animals and asks a simple question: Is that a *butt* or a *face*? Kids love potty humour, and using it as an educational device is a great way of *butt*ressing their knowledge while providing plenty of LOL moments.
The concept sounded entertaining and easy to *crack*. However, I almost ended up with egg on my *face* after my poor guesses.
Let’s *face* the simple fact. It is *butt* obvious that we are looking at some really weird *visages* or some really adorable *tushies*. However, getting to the *bottom* of the matter isn’t as straightforward. I had *ass*umed that my animal knowledge was quite strong, and yet I fell flat on my *bottom* by making some embarrassing goofs while guessing.
The photographs are stunning. A couple of the pics even made me laugh my *ass* off with their appearance. But a few were quite tricky and made me feel the pressure of saving my *face* and not becoming the *butt* of anyone’s jokes.
In *hind*sight, I didn’t expect to find new animals in this book. The content appears *face*tious, but the author’s choice of animals ensured that the book delivered on education too. Learning about unusual creatures from nature is always fun, even if they made me bust my *butt* guessing their names.
Furthermore, there was an interesting table at the *backside* of the book, providing information about the 14 creatures in the photos, specifically about what they eat and where they dwell. (You’ll love the column headings of the table!)
Don’t miss out on the author’s note at the *end*!
Recommended from the *bottom* of my heart to classrooms where little animal lovers can kick *butt* with their guesses! This book will work perfectly for ages 6-10. (Younger ones can have a fun time guessing the animals, but the vocabulary level in the explanations might be a bit difficult for them.)
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Kids and NetGalley for the DRC of “Butt or Face?”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Note: If any word in my review offends you, please do not *butt* heads with me. The book is written in a much more mature manner than this review. 😁
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
July 11, 2023
The title alone was enough to make the 10-year-old boy that lives inside me SQUEAL with delight.
This is one of those marvelous makes-learnin'-fun books that takes wild animal facts, and turns them into a hilarious guessing game. You see a fragment of a photo. Is it a butt, or is it a face? Turn the page, and you'll LEARN about a fascinating creature you may not know existed. (Red-lipped batfish, anyone?) And, who knew spiders had such interesting butts? (Who honestly wants to think about spiders' butts? Anyone?)
Butt, seriously, this one was a blast. Most kids (me included) can't suppress their giggles at the word BUTT, and this book is going to FLY off the shelves when I buy a copy for the library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Explore for making the much-needed chuckles.
This is one of those marvelous makes-learnin'-fun books that takes wild animal facts, and turns them into a hilarious guessing game. You see a fragment of a photo. Is it a butt, or is it a face? Turn the page, and you'll LEARN about a fascinating creature you may not know existed. (Red-lipped batfish, anyone?) And, who knew spiders had such interesting butts? (Who honestly wants to think about spiders' butts? Anyone?)
Butt, seriously, this one was a blast. Most kids (me included) can't suppress their giggles at the word BUTT, and this book is going to FLY off the shelves when I buy a copy for the library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Explore for making the much-needed chuckles.
July 20, 2023
The title itself is worth five stars. The contents, like the fact that Mary River turtles can breathe out of their butts, are equally as worthy. Butt breathing is as hilarious to learn about as it is to simply say.
Beyond the Backside or Face the Facts -- no matter which is it, you're going to have a fun time finding out which side you're seeing and (here is where we get the good trivia) why it looks hilariously "like that".
What child doesn't want the opportunity to scream "BUTT" without fear of admonishment? This book offers learning in a way that any child, even this 59 year old kid, will embrace without question.
Beyond the Backside or Face the Facts -- no matter which is it, you're going to have a fun time finding out which side you're seeing and (here is where we get the good trivia) why it looks hilariously "like that".
What child doesn't want the opportunity to scream "BUTT" without fear of admonishment? This book offers learning in a way that any child, even this 59 year old kid, will embrace without question.
February 3, 2023
Much better entertainment than all the social media combined!
Cos you are going to pull your hairs if you are the impatient adult reading this book of games trying to guess if it is the butt or the face of the animal/organism we are talking about. But then you will burst out laughing for each when you know the answer the next instant!
A definite recommendation! Get it for the fun it would provide (and also for the information!).
Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Kids, for the advance reading copy.
Cos you are going to pull your hairs if you are the impatient adult reading this book of games trying to guess if it is the butt or the face of the animal/organism we are talking about. But then you will burst out laughing for each when you know the answer the next instant!
A definite recommendation! Get it for the fun it would provide (and also for the information!).
Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Kids, for the advance reading copy.
February 6, 2023
I knew as soon as I saw the title of this book that I had to read it with my kids. They, like most kids, love anything that involves butts or animals and this includes both. They laughed the entire time, learned about new animals we’d never heard of of before despite reading hundreds of animal books, and they connected with the book when they reminded me of the spider that we found when camping at Lake Brownwood State Park that had a face on its butt. This is a great, funny, educational book that your kids will love.
Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks Kids for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication.
Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks Kids for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication.
February 4, 2023
I like everything about this funny, educational book which keeps you guessing. The photographs were good, but the facts presented in such a giggle-worthy way were the best part. Be sure to examine the end pages showing where the animals live and what they eat. I predict this will be very popular boys who like gross facts.
September 25, 2023
Haven’t read yet but it’s a 5 for me
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May 31, 2023
Sometimes, you just need something fun - and this was definitely fun.
Does it have a lot of literary merit? Eh, probably not. But learning and reading is allowed to just be silly and enjoyable. And I can see kids having a fun time with this.
Does it have a lot of literary merit? Eh, probably not. But learning and reading is allowed to just be silly and enjoyable. And I can see kids having a fun time with this.
February 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Explore for accepting my request to read and review Butt or Face?.
Published: 07/11/23
This is a miss from me. The audience is age 4 and up. Right away I was struck with explaining to a 4-year-old "scientific observations". This was after I explained that butts did more than poop. As of yet, I don't know that I'm going to say no to having a Proboscis monkey from Borneo.
This could not be a bedtime book. The pictures are what nightmares are made from.
This is possibly a text book for middle grade?
I am bothered by how the concept got this far. Sincerely, I am saddened that I can't find one kind thing to mention.
Published: 07/11/23
This is a miss from me. The audience is age 4 and up. Right away I was struck with explaining to a 4-year-old "scientific observations". This was after I explained that butts did more than poop. As of yet, I don't know that I'm going to say no to having a Proboscis monkey from Borneo.
This could not be a bedtime book. The pictures are what nightmares are made from.
This is possibly a text book for middle grade?
I am bothered by how the concept got this far. Sincerely, I am saddened that I can't find one kind thing to mention.
February 5, 2023
This quirky book challenges young readers to decide if the pictures they see are butts or face of unique animals/insects from around the world. While playing the silly game it also offers the opportunity to learn about uncommon creatures from all around the world.
The inclusion of map at the end to see where the creatures are located in the world as well as an overview of what they eat is fantastic. I am excited to buy this for my discovery channel obsessed niece and nephews!
The inclusion of map at the end to see where the creatures are located in the world as well as an overview of what they eat is fantastic. I am excited to buy this for my discovery channel obsessed niece and nephews!
May 1, 2023
What a lighthearted, silly, yet educational book for both kids and grown ups to enjoy! Not only were there lots of moments when we were certain we were looking at a butt or a face and then found out we were completely wrong, but there were also plenty of laughs and giggles and shouts of "ewww!" at certain photos. Come to find out, the photos we thought were gross turned out to be the opposite of what we were thinking they were!
I highly recommend this fun book for children at home or at school. It will keep them engaged and help to make learning fun. I even think it's worth a look for all of us "big kids" that still find butts to be funny!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this fun book for children at home or at school. It will keep them engaged and help to make learning fun. I even think it's worth a look for all of us "big kids" that still find butts to be funny!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2023
Funny thing to know that there are Butt faced creatures in this world, and it is not just remained a slang to tease friends anymore, for facts. LOL. There is lot more info which is rarely documented at one place. However, pictures were quite yuck kind but still factual.
My NetGalley review
My NetGalley review
December 28, 2022
My son and I loved it!
January 30, 2023
5⭐️
This is fantastic! What a smart book, finding a way to make educational facts about animals and bugs fun.
Each section starts with a zoomed in picture and honestly I was guessing on many of them. Then the next page is the answer with fun and interesting facts about it, My kids are going to love this book. It's funny and super interesting,
This would be a fantastic book for preschools or childcare settings. Where you need all quiet play and interaction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I will be posting my review to the.littlest.bookworm and retail sites close or on publication,
This is fantastic! What a smart book, finding a way to make educational facts about animals and bugs fun.
Each section starts with a zoomed in picture and honestly I was guessing on many of them. Then the next page is the answer with fun and interesting facts about it, My kids are going to love this book. It's funny and super interesting,
This would be a fantastic book for preschools or childcare settings. Where you need all quiet play and interaction.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I will be posting my review to the.littlest.bookworm and retail sites close or on publication,
January 31, 2023
Thank you for an ARC copy. I requested this, as the mom of two elementary grade boys. We read it together. And naturally, with a title “Butt or Face” they were fully engaged. We had a great time reading each page and taking a guess at what the photo would be.
We just wished the book could have been longer.
We just wished the book could have been longer.
February 9, 2023
Kids are going to love learning about animals as they look at a small section of each one and try to decide if they are looking at the animal’s butt or its face! (Pretty sure that some parents are going to object to the regular use of the word “butt, though.) Kari Lavelle has gathered great photographs of animals with highly unusual patterns that make it very difficult to decide which end is being shown, but when the page is turned, all will be revealed. On the big reveal page, Lavelle includes information about the purpose of the unique markings and other interesting tidbits about each creature. Puns are sometimes included that will amuse the adults reading with their children and a few of the particularly astute kids. (“One in a mole-ion” on the page that goes with the star-nosed mole and more just like that.) Back matter includes a world map with a photograph of each animal featured in the book and lines indicating where it calls home. A chart is also included with common and scientific names, where they rest their butts and what goes into their faces. Teachers/librarians/parents could use this non-fiction picture book with preschool to grade 1 and those in grades 2-4 will enjoy reading it with others or on their own.
Thanks for the print arc, Sourcebooks Library!
Thanks for the print arc, Sourcebooks Library!
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June 29, 2023
Ah yes, my new favorite hidden gem. 10/10 plus I learned about a new type of ant
Read
January 10, 2024You know what, I'll admit: I couldn't always tell what was a butt or a face 😩
December 30, 2022
Fascinating reads with good facts, intriguing pictures, and many puns.
February 11, 2023
I think this is the funniest book I’ve ever read. Hands down. Not only was I learning a lot of cool facts, I was laughing my “butt” off with each revelation!
May 7, 2025
I am sad to report I thought a lot of faces were butts and had I encountered any of these animals in the wild I would have been looking at butts as though they were faces. Each page has a close up picture of a butt or a face as well as the question butt or face? On the next page there is a larger picture as well as information about the animal and why their butt looks like a face or their face looks like a butt.
Also on the last page you get a real treat, you get to see a face inside a butt. Don't take my word for it though.
Also on the last page you get a real treat, you get to see a face inside a butt. Don't take my word for it though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
This was a fun book! I enjoyed the game of guessing which end was which. I liked how I could learn about all these different animals and it was so much fun. I think kids will love this one!
Monarch Award Nominee 2026
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 23
Monarch Award Nominee 2026
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 23
February 2, 2023
This book was a huge hit with my 6 year old twins. In fact, the whole family got into the game. Such a clever concept that was hilarious while also teaching about animals, camouflage, and how animals communicate. As soon as we finished, my kids were ready to read it again. I love nonfiction books that are fun, informative and interactive, I could see reluctant readers being drawn into this one as the format of guessing if each picture was a butt or face was highly engaging and led to immediate questions when finding out the answer. Highly recommend for animal lovers and silly kids everywhere.
August 24, 2023
Not as cute as I expected
February 6, 2023
Is there anything better than uncontrollable giggles from your children while reading a book?! This one was a BIG hit with my two kids and had them rolling with laughter and looking for more people to share it with. Highly recommend!
February 11, 2023
Such a cute book! I had never heard of any of those animals and learned a ton! The book was laid out really well and with colors that will appeal to kids. Descriptions were kept short and easy to read. Additional info in the back was a good touch!
November 21, 2023
Can't wait to read this one to my students!
January 31, 2023
Good book about animals with clear photographs and descriptions. Highly recommended for children aged 2 up. Thank you the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for sending me this e-ARC.
August 13, 2023
Cute book by an SLP. Pregnant friends, you can expect this to be my new go-to for baby showers.
February 19, 2023
Can YOU tell a butt from a face?
You get to test your guessing talent after viewing a close up photo in this book!
Once I saw the cover, I knew I had to read it! This book is hilariously silly and fun! After the reveal, several fun and interesting facts are shared about a unique critter. I can definitely see this as being a favorite bedtime and classroom read and I’m confidant adults will enjoy it just as much or even more than the children they’re reading to. Please get this book and then share the responses!
You get to test your guessing talent after viewing a close up photo in this book!
Once I saw the cover, I knew I had to read it! This book is hilariously silly and fun! After the reveal, several fun and interesting facts are shared about a unique critter. I can definitely see this as being a favorite bedtime and classroom read and I’m confidant adults will enjoy it just as much or even more than the children they’re reading to. Please get this book and then share the responses!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews