Stink

Mac has been loving the books series, Stink, by Megan McDonald. Great recommendation, Kelly! I like that the books have educational themes and also just enough silly, boy humor to keep Mac engaged. 

One of the books was all about really stinky things (Mac's favorite book in the series so far). When the main character, "Stink," went on a field trip to a museum of "smelly stuff," Mac asked me to take pictures of the pages so he could put them up on his bedroom wall. 

Later that day Ellis came inside with a big yellow and black beetle that he found in the carport. "Mac! Check out this beetle I found!" Mac loved him and named him "Stink," (of course). We identified the bug as a Carrion Beetle. Believe it or not, the Carrion Beetle's claim to fame is it's specialized appetite for the most disgusting and stinky foods! Mac thought that was awesome. 

We made a little habitat for "Stink" and fed him some of his favorite stinky meals (old cheese, old hotdogs pieces, etc.).

We made a "Stink" poster for Mac's room. He enjoyed labeling Stink's parts and learning all about his special new stinky pet!

Mac's "Stinky Facts:"

"Carrion" beetles get their name because they feed on "carrion" (yucky, stinky meat).

Creature defense: they have strong, armor-like plates to protect their backs, and they are excellent at hiding and camouflaging when they are in danger.

Predators: frogs, birds, rats