Nonfiction Monday

The Human Body in 30 Seconds by Anna Claybourne with illustrations by Wesley Robins will keep young readers engrossed as they explore the rich variety of subjects covered in 30 topics. 

Six sections: Body Parts, Body Structure, Survival Systems, Brain and Nervous System, Senses, and Your Amazing Body provide readers with clear organization and each begins with a Glossary of words pertinent to the content. Each of the topics covered in the section offers brief, well-written and fact-filled discussions paired with a 3-second summary, and an activity.

Body Parts provides a thoughtful discussion beginning with the basic building block – cells, to the organization of  body tissues, then organs—which make up body systems. Body Structure looks at the 206 bones of the skeleton, the three types of muscles, movement, teeth, skin, hair, and nails. 

Survival Systems examines the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory and immune systems. Here’s an interesting fact: the human body discards 500 million skin cells per day. Brain and Nervous System explains how the brain is able to handle up to 100 trillion calculations every single second. Senses describes the numerous ways in which humans are able to connect with the world. The final section, Your Amazing Body, offers an overview of reproduction, growth, aging, genes and DNA, and explores what makes you YOU.

Each subject is paired vibrant illustrations. Reader-friendly content, thoughtful discussions, and a broad range of topics make this book an excellent resource for home or school.

Recommended as a handy introduction to a subject that we all must deal with on a daily basis.