Update alert: This book was named one of the finalists in the Middle Grade category!
There's no better time than the start of a new year to learn things you never knew (or imagined!) especially when they affect your most important home-- your body! Even better when the process is entertaining and fun!
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| GREYSTONE KIDS, 2022 |
Take a close look at this remarkably clever, informative, and entertaining nonfiction picture book for readers about ages eight (through adult!). . THE MUSEUM OF ODD BODY LEFTOVERS: A TOUR OF YOUR USELESS PARTS, FLAWS, AND OTHER WEIRD BITS is written by Rachel Poliquin and illustrated by Clayton Hanmer.
This is perhaps the oddest, most original collection of information surrounding a single concept: our bodies' vestigial parts. These are ones we (most of us) still have that once served an enormously important part in our evolution but are now (seemingly, but not always) useless. And WHY.
The lightly humorous but very knowledgeable narrator is Wisdom Tooth (good choice!) who picks up a sidekick, the disappearing KIDNEY. (Kidney's showcase MOMENT in the last pages is jaw-droppingly important.) |
| (MUSEUM) INTERIOR: GREYSTONE BOOKS |
The comic-style illustrations assume a format suited to the text assumption: readers are taking a guided tour through the museum of odd body parts, following the path shown in an opening double spread museum map, labeled and including the tour-path identified throughout text. This clever approach also serves as a table of contents and makes dipping in to particular sections convenient in this 80 page book.
My positive reaction involved how cleverly the text managed to remain accessible but also precise and informative, aided by red-lined, hand-written overwrites with simpler versions of the accurately labeled diagrams, exhibit statements, and simple signage that make complex content digestible. Challenging (and scientifically accurate) terms are showcased, giving explanations and pronunciations in asides.
Upper elementary and middle grade readers will relish this content, making the underlying science and major concepts much more intriguing and engaging than typical school text. It is also likely to spark curiosity, questions, and discussions. The glossary, sidebars, and resources listed offer opportunities to make exploring further information convenient.
Whether your resolution or your young reader's relates to learning something new in general or anything related to body awareness (fitness, digestion, habits, sleep... what DOESN'T involve our bodies?) this is an outstanding starting point for launching your plans. Read it, enjoy it, be amazed, and share it. Highly recommended!
And CONGRATULATIONS to THE MUSEUM OF ODD BODY LEFTOVERS: A TOUR OF YOUR USELESS PARTS, FLAWS, AND OTHER WEIRD BITS and other finalists in CYBILS AWARDS Middle Grade Nonfiction category! All finalists in all categories are announced today, with winners receiving their big TA-DA moment on VALENTINES DAY.
(Note, the CYBILS link is to my nonfiction categories- Elementary, Middle Grades, and High School- something for everyone! TAKE A LOOK! It was not an easy decision, down to the wire!)
Highly recommended.
