Each season brings new discoveries and questions of “why?” “how?” and “what’s that?” when you’re raising kids. This month, find answers to questions kids might have about their bodies—as well as some laughs—with these books.
The Human Body at a Glance
by Cristina Peraboni; illustrated by Giulia De Amicis (White Star Kids, 2019)
Infographics throughout this book break up complicated information and make it easy for kids to understand. Learn about all the main body parts and the senses, plus reproduction and genetics. You’ll find facts about weird body characteristics and learn how we are similar to and different from animals.
The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal
by Nick Seluk (Orchard Books/Scholastic, 2019)
Comic-style illustrations and thought bubbles add humor to factual text in the latest book from New York Times bestselling author Nick Seluk. Learn about the parts of the brain, how messages get to it, and how it works with other body systems.
Boy, Were We Wrong About the Human Body!
by Kathleen Kudlinski; illustrated by Debbie Tilley (Dial Books, 2015)
This book debunks old and silly myths about the human body and addresses what scientists and doctors know to be true today. It sends the message that making mistakes is an important part of learning and reminds readers that we still have so much more to learn about the human body.
Skulls!
by Blair Thornburgh; illustrated by Scott Campbell (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2019)
This debut picture book author reminds young readers that every person has a skull inside, and “this is a good thing.” Watercolor illustrations show all the things a skull is good for, like giving your face a shape and holding your teeth in place. The book reminds readers that “skulls are not trying to be scary,” and encourages kids to love and take care of their skulls.
Sulwe
by Lupita Nyong’o; illustrated by Vashti Harrison (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2019)
This story, written by actress Lupita Nyong’o, focuses on the body’s largest organ—the skin. Sulwe’s skin is darker than everyone else’s in her family and in her school. She tries to lighten it to no avail, until a shooting star visits her, and tells her the story of two sisters, Night and Day. She begins to see value in her dark skin and learns that “some light can only be seen in the dark.”
Just Ask!
by Sonia Sotomayor; illustrated by Rafael López (Philomel Books, 2019)
Diagnosed with diabetes as a young girl, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor uses her own experiences to teach children about all sorts of physical challenges—some seen and some unseen. She describes how she measures her blood sugar, then shares stories of others and the things they must do. Each page asks a question that relates to a different physical or mental condition.
Parts
by Tedd Arnold (Dial Books, 1997)
When a little boy loses hair, finds a booger, and discovers peeling skin, he panics and believes he is falling apart, through a series of situations that are sure to make your kids giggle. His parents explain that what is happening is normal and is just what the human body goes through to renew itself.
Book experts and librarians also recommend:
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox; illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
- This is Baby by Jimmy Fallon; illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez
- The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry; illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- Who Has What? All About Girls’ Bodies and Boys’ Bodies by Robie H. Harris; illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
- Sex Is A Funny Word by Cory Silverberg; illustrated by Fiona Smyth
- The Blood-Hungry Spleen and Other Poems About Our Parts by Allan Wolfe; illustrated by Greg Clarke
- Baby 101: Anatomy for Babies by Jonathan Litton; illustrated by Thomas Elliot
- The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole; Illustrated by Bruce Degen
- The Way We Work by David Macaulay
- Alive: The Living, Breathing Human Body Book by DK Publishing
- From Head to Toe by Barbara Seuling; illustrated by Edward Miller
- Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak Ph.D., illustrated by Sarah Ackerley
