DNA Is Here to Stay [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Frances R. Balkwill (Author), Mic Rolph (Illustrator)

Book Description

DNA Is Here To Stay explores the secret of life itself -- the secret of DNA. The book is designed to teach young readers about the master plan that directs the growth of a single cell into a complete human being.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-5-- Each of these British imports examines an aspect of the body not detailed in most offerings for this grade level. Cells Are Us introduces some of the various types of cells in the body. Most topics are covered in one or two spreads; text is limited to a couple of paragraphs while full-color illustrations take up at least three-quarters of the page (a format repeated in the other books). The focus is strict, giving a more comprehensive overview than can be found in Leslie Jean LeMaster's Cells and Tissues (Childrens, 1985). Cell Wars is a discussion of the immune system. AIDS is not mentioned. While not as complete as Alan Nourse's Your Immune System (Watts, 1989), it presents enough information to offer some background. DNA Is Here to Stay gives basic but lucid explanations; however, genetic theory and succession, subjects found in most books on heredity for this age group, are not included. Ideas are presented clearly and concisely in an appropriately conversational tone, often with splashes of humor. Difficult concepts are easily understood, while vibrant colors and cartoonlike characters of both sexes and various ethnicities add to the appeal. All three books will supplement health or human body units, although none of them has an index, glossary, or table of contents. --Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, MI
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harper UK; illustrated edition edition (July 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0001911651
• ISBN-13: 978-0001911659
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,452,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book, November 3, 2003

By 

Y. Leventhal (Oak Hill, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DNA is Here To Stay (Cells and Things) (Hardcover)

I read this book to my children the same evening I got all the children's books on genes. Frankly, when I finished reading this one, I thought to myself that this book was a bit dense--probably best suited for 10 and up and only those scientifically inclined. The information is accurate, but the language is a bit "stiff" (dry like a science journal) and there is a lot of repetition (perhaps as a way of drilling the concepts into children). We also bought a couple of other books by the same author and all of these books have overlapping sections. After a couple of books, I got tired of the constant repetition.

Had I logged on and put in a review then, I might have given the book 3 stars. But, when I put my kids to bed, my 5 year old said to me, with a naughty smile on his face, "It is not fair--girls get two X's and boys only get one X." So I said to him that he's got something girls don't have-what is that? He replied, "The Y!"

I have to admit I was impressed--with my son as well as with the book. Dry the book may sound to me, somehow it manages to impart some very important information and makes the information interesting and accessible to a 5 year old. For that, I think my money is well spent.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Okay book, but not as good as its competition, April 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: DNA is Here to Stay (Cells and Things) (Paperback)

This book is alright, but a bit outdated (9 years old). However, the new competition has better illustrations, concepts, and information, making it more enjoyable for the children and the adults. Unfortunately, "My First Book About DNA" isn't on Amazon yet, but you can find it via a search engine by searching for the title. Hopefully Amazon will pick it up soon!

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You need this book!, August 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: DNA is Here to Stay (Cells and Things) (Paperback)

This book is 100% scientifically correct, but it's a fun comic book, so even the very young can enjoy it. Read it to your kid, and you'll both learn at the same time!