April 1, 2015
Gr 2-4-Though missing an equivalent volume for the endocrine system, these introductions to our innards make good replacements for Capstone's like-titled 2006 series. Aimed at readers ready to encounter ventricles and dendrons, ligaments and alveoli, each survey systematically covers a major body system with clear explanations of major functions and components. Special terms are printed in boldface. Photos of posing children and occasional close-ups of, for instance, villi in the small intestine, supplement simplified but clear and realistic graphic representations of nerves, muscles, and the rest. Brett mentions but five senses in Nervous System, and despite incorporating anatomical terms such as esophagus and rectum, Digestive System sticks to poop for references to solid waste. Still, these easily comprehensible but not simplistic presentations not only offer lessons on biology that are well pitched to the intended audience-they also include helpful remarks about, for instance, safety gear and even smoking and alcohol or drug abuse. VERDICT Useful additions.
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July 1, 2015
These introductions to the human body are very basic, with some complexity added in fact boxes and captioned photos or diagrams. One spread in each volume addresses some common disorders (for example, sprains and spasms in Muscular), though Nervous also preaches about damage from drug and alcohol use. Three appended questions link material to the Common Core. Reading list. Glos., ind.
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