Gr. 5-8. "In Your Head," "In Your Chest," "In Your Abdomen," "In Your Legs"--for the many kids who wonder what's "in" there, this book is just what they need. Heading off each section is a double-page-spread illustration of the highlighted area of the body, with an overlay allowing children to see how its various parts fit together. Then the usual DK format kicks in: cropped and cutaway photos (many highly magnified) and diagrams arranged in a seemingly random fashion across each themed double-page spread, accompanied by tightly worded captions explaining and expanding briefly on the content of the pictures. The section, "In Your Chest," for example, comprises spreads on the heart, the "bloodstream," and the lungs. There's a good deal of information here--in bits and snatches--and some of the magnified photos are extraordinary. But the pages often seem cluttered; perhaps that's because the Day-Glo colors of the tinted photos detract from subject matter, which doesn't need a lot of brilliant coloring to make it fascinating. Intriguing information for browsing to partner with more traditional books on the human body.
Stephanie ZvirinCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
About the Author
Dr. Sue Davidson worked in hospital medicine and in general practice for 10 years before becoming a full-time medical journalist. She has contributed to many books, including DK's Complete Family Health Guide.