Butts in a Box
An Interactive Learning Adventure For Kids That Blends Science With Laughter
Educational fun delivered right to your doorstep: 1 Booty Box (with more than 20 silly surprises) and six months of Ani-mail (12 letters, 10 activity booklets)
So what exactly is Butts in a Box?
Butts in a Box is an immersive learning experience inspired by the award-winning nonfiction book Battle of the Butts, about ten animals that do seriously weird things with their butts. Butts in a Box is designed for kids aged 5-10 who are ready to be amazed by real science—and parents who want to see their kids genuinely excited about learning. It arrives at your doorstep, unfolds over six months, and keeps the learning (and the giggles) going strong.
The first delivery is the Booty Box
After you order Butts in a Box, the first thing the child receives is a box packed with more than twenty booty-rific items! You can wrap this initial box as a birthday/holiday present for your kid or let them discover it when it’s delivered (it will be addressed to them). What’s inside? Lots of toot-rific items, including:
A Signed Copy of Battle of the Butts
I will sign and personalize a copy of my picture book about ten animals with amazing posterior powers.
It’s funny. It’s gross. And it’s real science.
Here’s the official description from the publisher:
Did you know manatees swim using farts? Or that herrings communicate by passing gas?
Butts are used for breathing, eating, swimming, talking, and even killing in the animal kingdom. Focusing on ten different animals and their derrières, and offering fun facts about their origin, habitat, and “posterior power,” this hilarious book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Which animal has the coolest butt power? That’s up to you to decide!
And it has won several awards:
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- 2022 MASL Dogwood Reader’s Award Title from the Missouri Association of School Librarians
- 2023 Towner Award Winner for best non-fiction picture book from the Washington Library Association
- 2024 Garden State Children’s Book Award Winner for Nonfiction from the New Jersey Library Association
- 2024 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List from the Texas Library Association
Kids will giggle their way through the pages. But they’ll also retain actual science facts that will blow their minds (and yours, too!).
Engaging Items Representing Each Animal
When your child opens the initial box, amongst the booty, they’ll find items symbolizing each animal in the book. Some are silly. Some are abstract. Some are directly connected to what makes each animal’s hind end unique.
Check out the FAQ for a list of the rump-tastic items that turn reading Battle of the Butts into something tangible and memorable.
Stickers!!!
Kids love stickers, and so do we! Your child will be able show off their new favorite animals with Battle of the Butts-themed stickers.
And many other fun backend-themed surprises
Then Every Two Weeks For 6 Months Your Child Receives an Entertaining Piece of Ani-Mail
Uh, what exactly is Ani-Mail?
It’s a special envelope with goodies sent from the animals from Battle of the Butts.
Kids love getting their own mail. It taps into genuine excitement that doesn’t require WiFi or a screen. But kids don’t often get letters these days, so Butts in a Box will give them six months of the joy of receiving mail that’s just for them. Your child will volunteer to check the mailbox every day as they look forward to the next special delivery.
Inside each envelope they’ll find:
A Personalized Letter from One of the Animals
Each of the ten animals from Battle of the Butts sends a personalized letter to your child. They’re written from the animal’s perspective and share facts that aren’t in the book. Imagine your kid opening an envelope and reading a letter from a Manatee explaining how its lips are kind of like fingers.
An Edu-taining Activity Booklet featuring that animal
The activity booklets are designed so the kids have fun but also sneak in some learning and contain a mix of:
Puzzle Activities: Word searches, mazes, brain teasers, etc.
Science Experiments: Hands-on projects that demonstrate the science behind the animal’s posterior power. Want to understand how the Silver-spotted Skipper Caterpillar flings its poop so far? There’s an experiment for that. Want to see how a bombardier beetle’s chemical reaction works? There’s an experiment for that too. These aren’t complicated—and they use stuff you probably already have at home.
Art and Writing Projects: Creative activities that incorporate the animals and their talents such as coloring pages, writing a letter to one of the animals, or drawing a comic about one of the animal’s Posterior Powers.
People Love Butts!
Rate the Butts!
“Oh my, I haven’t read a book as funny and informative as this maybe ever. If the title alone doesn’t hook you, how about the flap copy: Did you know manatees swim using farts? Right from the get-go, this book is hilarious, yet it also engages the reader, inviting them to rate each of the butts in the book. Throughout the book there are SO MANY layers – a quick intro to each of the ten remarkable butts and the animals that own them; then a longer explanation of the science behind the useful posterior; and finally, a Butt Bonus with more fun facts about the animals’ bums. Not only that, the book is full of puns and butt-related text, but it’s not overdone. I never thought I’d want to learn so much about butts, yet it turns out it’s fascinating (bonus for funny, too)! This is an excellent STEAM book that kids will love.”
“Recently, my fourth-grade students and I visited virtually with Jocelyn Rish and the interaction was fantastic! Jocelyn was engaging and witty, and her presentation was highly interactive. The material was age appropriate and well-paced. Her activities with the kids kept them thinking and engaged. I have done many virtual visits in my school library and I can say without reservation that Jocelyn’s was one of the best author visits I’ve experienced. She was polished, professional and really fun! And, when kids clamor for the books afterwards, you know you had a great author visit.”
Hilarious and Fact-filled!
“I got this for my 8 year old son, but honestly don’t know who enjoyed it more. This book has a butt-load of incredible and punny facts about a variety of animals and their fartastic heinies. To really get kiddos giggling, there’s even a rating to give each animal based on how cool or funny their special talents are. Loved this engaging book. Fantastic gift idea for any youngen (or adult).”
“This was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience! The kids were completely captivated, not wanting Jocelyn Rish to leave. She was so engaging and her books provide the depth of knowledge that kids so need and crave. They absolutely loved meeting their favorite author! We can’t wait for more books!!”
So much fun!
“My kids loved this book! We laughed out loud and giggled all the way through. Not only is this a fun read, but it’s informative too! This is the definition of learning made fun. Battle of the Butts engages young readers and adults alike. This book will make an excellent addition to all bookshelves at home or at school.”
“We were thrilled to welcome Jocelyn Rish to our classroom for an author visit, and it was truly an unforgettable experience for our students. From the moment the presentation began, the students were completely engaged—hanging on every word and eager to participate. Jocelyn has a wonderful way of connecting with the students, sparking their curiosity and inspiring their creativity. It was clear from the excitement in the room and the thoughtful questions asked that the visit left a lasting impression. We are so grateful for the opportunity to hear about her writing process and cannot recommend a visit with her enough!”
A great way to get kids excited about nonfiction!
“I love this book so much, and so do my students! You’ll meet 10 creatures with fascinating (and funny) butts. Each short chapter stands alone, and my students loved learning about each animal or insect and then voting on them. Filled with fun illustrations, tons of facts and information, and snappy, hilarious language, this is a must-have for all homes, classrooms, and libraries! Highly recommended!”
Here's Why I Know Animal Butts Help Kids Learn
I’m Jocelyn Rish, the author of Battle of the Butts. For the past 15 years, I’ve been volunteering with Reading Partners, an amazing organization that pairs volunteers with elementary school students who are struggling with reading. I’ve tutored dozens of kids: kids who were behind grade level, kids who were bored, kids who didn’t think they liked reading.
And I saw over and over: When a kid connects with a book that makes them laugh while teaching them something real, everything changes.
One student in particular changed how I think about learning. He spent every tutoring session clearly wanting to be anywhere else. I tried everything – funny voices, silly jokes, every book in the classroom. Nothing worked. He wouldn’t even smile.
So after I finished writing the manuscript for Battle of the Butts, I brought it in and asked what he thought. Something changed. He engaged with it. He marked it up with smiley faces. And during our last session of the school year, I told him the book was going to be a real published book and that he was the first kid to ever read it. The grin that spread across his face had the power to light up a city block.
He helped show me: Kids need materials that respect their intelligence, celebrate their sense of humor, and make them feel like learning is something they actually want to do.
Since the publication of Battle of the Butts in 2021, I have been doing author visits with classrooms, libraries, and homeschool groups where I apply this lesson. During my visits we do science and language arts activities together centered around animals doing weird things with their butts.
They expect it to be silly. And it is silly. But then something magical happens. When kids discover something that makes them laugh while learning . . . Their eyes light up. They lean in. They ask questions. They remember what they learned, weeks and months later.
But here’s the problem: I can only visit several schools each year. I wanted to figure out a way to bottle up that magic and send it directly to your house.
That’s how Butts in a Box was born.
A Cheeky Deal
Butts in a Box is only $120 for the entire six-month experience.
For about the price for a family to go see one movie in the theater, your child is getting an immersive, multi-week experience of personalized, screen-free entertainment that also helps them learn. You’re investing in your kid’s curiosity. In their love of reading. In their understanding of science. In memories they’ll carry with them for years.
You’re Getting Screen-Free Entertainment That Kids Actually Want
In a world where kids are glued to iPads and TikTok, Butts in a Box is genuinely fun without requiring electricity. Your kid will be engaged, learning, creating – all without you worrying about screen time.
Plus they’ll be looking forward to getting their mail. In a time where it seems like everything is digital, there’s something magical about a kid running to the mailbox, excited to see what has arrived addressed to them. That alone is worth the price of admission!
You’re Getting Real Science Education
Biology. Chemistry. Physics. Your kid will learn about buoyancy, chemical reactions, evolutionary adaptation, and other aspects of science while giggling and eww-ing their way through fanny facts.
This hits both reading and STEM standards. Teachers and librarians will love this because it’s exactly what they’re trying to accomplish in the classroom.
You’re Getting an Immersive Experience, Not Just a Product
I started Fair Acres Publishing to create interactive book experiences for kids. The type of immersive adventures that entertain while educating. This isn’t something your kid will flip through once and forget. It’s designed to unfold over months. The initial box creates immediate delight. The letters arrive like special messages. The activities invite them to go deeper. The experiments create memories.
Years from now, your kid will remember the excitement of discovering how amazing nature can be.
You’re Giving a Gift That Actually Means Something
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends: you know how hard it is to find a gift that’s special and meaningful. Something that shows you really know the child in your life.
Butts in a Box does that. It says: “I know you love learning. I know you love humor. I know you love weird science. I want to celebrate that part of you.”
Plus, getting your own mail is still exciting to kids, even in the age of Amazon packages. There’s something magical about an envelope addressed specifically to them.
You’re Making Memories With Them
This isn’t a one-time thing. It’s designed to be explored over time, revisited, and savored. And your involvement makes it better. The best part happens when you do an experiment together, or when you ask your kid what they learned, or when you laugh together at the ridiculous facts about animal butts.
That’s priceless. And you’re getting it all for just $120.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this appropriate for my kid's age?
Battle of the Butts is written for elementary-aged kids (roughly ages 5-10), and Butts in a Box is designed for that same age range. If your kid is younger, they might enjoy the book with your help, but some of the activities might be too advanced. If your kid is older, they might find it a bit young for them, though plenty of older kids still love the humor and science.
** While safety is one of our top priorities, BUTTS IN A BOX contains small items that may pose a CHOKING HAZARD for small children and is not intended for children under 3 years old. For children above 3 years old, proper adult supervision is required. **
What are the items in the initial box?
These are the main items* for each animal:
Manatee: Whoopee cushion
Wombat: Mini puzzle cube
Fitzroy River Turtle: Cookie cutter
Herring: Fish fortune teller
Bombardier Beetle: Water squirt toy
Silver-Spotted Skipper Caterpillar: Fidget toy
Beaded Lacewing: Binary code beaded necklace kit
Parrotfish: Art sand kit
Sonoran Coralsnake: Wooden snake with paints
Sea Cucumber: Cucumber seeds
There are also a variety of art supplies and other booty-themed items. If you’d like to see individual pictures of each item, check out our instagram or facebook pages.
* Items may change based on availability and creative inspiration!
How do the deliveries work?
Your child will receive one box and 12 letters over six months. We post outgoing mail every two weeks according to the schedule below.
After you order, we will send the initial Booty Box with the signed book and other goodies on the closest upcoming scheduled mailing date. Then a personalized letter with an activity booklet (the Ani-mail) will be sent from one of the animals every two weeks according to our mailing schedule (10 total letters and 10 total activity booklets). So that the child will be surprised by which animal arrives in the mailbox every other week, the animal order is random rather than what’s in the book.
After the animals have sent their letters, the author of Battle of the Butts (that’s me!) will send a final wrap-up letter.
Additionally, your child will receive a birthday card from the Butts animals during their birthday month, even if that is outside of their regular six months of mailings.
You can read our full shipping policy here.
| January 5 | March 16 | May 25 | August 3 |
| January 19 | March 30 | June 8 | August 17 |
| February 2 | April 13 | June 22 | August 31 |
| February 16 | April 27 | July 6 | September 14 |
| March 2 | May 11 | July 20 | September 28 |
What does it mean that Butts in a Box is personalized?
The Booty Box and the Ani-mail envelopes will be addressed to the child. The letters will have the child’s name in the salutation, and the signed copy of Battle of the Butts will be personalized. The animals will also send a birthday card to the child during their birthday month.
When you check out, there will be a field for you to add the kid(s) name(s) and a field for their birthday month. Please be very careful when filling these out so that the personalization is correct.
We will use their first name for the letter salutation and book personalization, but we need a last name for the box and envelope mailing addresses. So if the recipient’s last name is the same as yours, we only need the child’s first name. But if you have different last names, please include the child’s last name as well.
While each mailing will only contain one set of items, you may include multiple kids by entering something like “Jocelyn, Brian & Joanna,” “The Smith Family,” or even “Ms. Rish’s Class.” If you want each child to get their own set of mailings, then please order multiple products.
Only one birthday card will be sent per order, so if you are including multiple kids in the personalization, please pick the ONE month in which you’d like to receive the card.
If you would rather not use a specific name for the book, letters, birthday card, and envelopes, then enter “NONE” in the Name for Personalization field at checkout, and nothing will be personalized.
If you do not want a birthday card, then enter “NO CARD” in the Birthday Month field.
Do you have a gift card or certificate I can give my gift recipient so they know something booty-ful will be delivered?
Yes! We have a gift note you can download here. We have intentionally left it vague, so they will be surprised by what arrives, but you can always provide more details if they prefer knowing in advance.
How long does it take to go through everything?
There’s no set timeline! Some kids will dive in and finish each activity immediately. Others will stretch it out and savor each thing. Some will revisit their favorites multiple times. It’s designed to unfold at your kid’s pace.
Will my kid actually do the activities, or will this sit in a closet?
Honestly? That depends on your kid and how you present it. The surprise items in the initial box create immediate engagement before they even open the book, and most kids who love humor and science get excited about digging deeper. Plus, this isn’t designed as a one-time thing. Since it unfolds over six months with regular mail arrivals, it creates ongoing anticipation.
Can teachers/librarians order multiple boxes?
Yes! If you’re an educator interested in ordering Butts in a Box for your classroom or library, contact us to discuss options for bulk buying and/or modifying the experience for larger groups.
What if my kid hates reading/science?
Butts in a Box was initially inspired by kids who didn’t think they liked reading or science. The ewww-factor and humor are the entry point. Once they’re laughing, the learning happens naturally. Plus my 15 years of experience with struggling readers has shown me that books about animals almost always grab kids’ attention.
What if I don't have time to do experiments with my kid?
The science activities are designed to take about 15-30 minutes, use regular household materials, and require adult supervision. But you don’t need to be a science expert! The activity booklets include simple instructions. And honestly? Doing them together is where the real magic happens!
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. If you’d like to break your payment into monthly installments, just look for the “Shop Pay” option at checkout for the details.
Is this US only?
Yes, for now.
The shipping and mailing logistics are more complicated for international addresses, so we will revisit those later.
What if I'm not happy with it?
I stand behind BUTTS IN A BOX 100%. If for some reason it’s not what you expected, we have a 30-day return policy. Read the details here.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or relative who wants to give a gift that’s both fun and meaningful…
If you’re an educator looking to inspire a love of science and reading…
If you want to see the kids in your life genuinely excited about learning…
The smiles start the moment the first box arrives. Order today and see for yourself!
* For now, we’re only shipping to US addresses. *
*** All three options come with a personalized signed copy of Battle of the Butts and FREE shipping! ***
Ani-Mail Only
Select this option if you only want the 12 mailings of letters and activity booklets sent from the animals.
There will be no Booty Box – this is only the bi-weekly Ani-Mail.
Perfect for teachers, librarians, and homeschool groups!
Full Butts in a Box
Select this option if you want the full Butts in a Box experience.
This includes the initial Booty Box and 12 Ani-Mail mailings!
Gift your child everything they need for six months of rump-tastic fun!
Booty Box Only
Select this option if you only want the inital box of booty-themed items with no mail sent from the animals.
There will be no Ani-mail – this is only the initial Booty Box.
Great for getting each sibling their own box of silliness to play with!
This is a one-time purchase with no recurring subscription fees.
If you’re not ready to invest in the Butts in a Box experience but want to buy the book Battle of the Butts, you can purchase through Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local indie book store.
While you’re here, make sure to join Team Tushie!
We’ll send occasional emails with discounts, funny animal facts, sneak peeks, and special offers.
Joining Team Tushie is totally commitment-free, so sign up to be a part of the behind-the-scenes adventure.
P.S. If you have questions or want to know more before buying, reach out here. I love talking about this stuff.
P.P.S. Did you know there is a beetle that shoots boiling chemicals out of its butt. Nature is weird and wonderful. That’s why this box exists!
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