The Human Body in 30 Seconds by Anna Claybourne
| The Human Body in 30 Seconds by Anna Claybourne | |
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| Category: Popular Science | |
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Reviewer: Louise Jones
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| Summary: A superfast rundown containing everything you need to know about how the body works. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 96 | Date: October 2014 |
| Publisher: Ivy Kids | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 9781782401476 | |
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Our body is an amazing machine, capable of performing a myriad of tasks simultaneously. Even when we are sleeping, our body is busy processing information, pumping blood, regulating temperature and filtering waste. When we are hurt, a host of repair systems jump into operation to sort out the damage. When we are invaded by a foreign body, our immune system works to repel the invaders. We are constantly making new discoveries about the wonderful way that our body works.
The Human Body In 30 Seconds makes science simple by condensing all of the important stuff into simple bite-sized pieces. Each chapter of the book has its own double page spread, starting with a short rundown of the essentials, a 3 second sum-up, a practical '3 minute mission' and a full page colour illustration showing how it all works in practice.
The author has done an excellent job making complex body processes simple enough for a child to understand. The cartoony illustrations are also a great way to communicate complicated ideas in a visual way. I especially liked the fact that the artwork had a simple cartoon style, as there is nothing in this book that will frighten sensitive children or those who have an aversion to the gore and 'gross factor' that is found in a lot of kids' science books.
The 3-minute-missions are a useful, hands-on way to help readers understand how the body works. Missions include making an eardrum out of a bowl of rice and some clingfilm, taste testing vegetables whilst holding your nose and seeing what happens when bones lose calcium by soaking a chicken bone in white vinegar.
The book is divided into six main sections, each focusing on a different aspect of how the body works. We look at the basic building blocks of the body, the body structures, survival systems, nervous system, senses and body functions. There is also a family-friendly section on human reproduction that may be just the ticket when children start asking that question!
The bite-sized format and colourful illustrations will appeal to kids and the chapters are not wordy or overwhelming. This is a refreshingly different kind of science book. Many grateful thanks to the publishers for my review copy.
Ivy Press have a whole series of "30-second" books for you to enjoy. Why not try Inventions in 30 Seconds by Dr Mike Goldsmith.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Human Body in 30 Seconds by Anna Claybourne at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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