What Body Part Is That?

September 15, 2012
"There is a lot of nonsense written about the human body," writes the author, "and this book is no exception." Though not quite making good on his promise of "100 percent fact-free chapters," (he does accurately describe "chondrolaryngoplasty") Griffiths' anatomical tour in general steers clear of anything that would be marked as correct on a test. From "Ears can be big or small, depending on their size" to "Capillaries are the larval form of butterflies," he offers pithy inanities about 68 mostly real body features. Though he closes every entry with "That is all you need to know about...," he then goes on to regale readers with the news that the epiglottis was named after a Greek philosopher and other "Fun Body Facts." Similarly, noting that his illustrations "may not be scientifically accurate" (the understatement of the decade), Denton nonetheless provides on nearly every spread profusely labeled, free-association cartoon views of each body part. These are filled out with tiny figures, mechanical apparatus and miscellaneous junk. Though serious young researchers may be disappointed to find the "Private Parts" pages blacked out, a full index follows to provide ready access to any references to poo, pus, farts, drool, "sneeze-powered missiles" and like essentials. Occasionally clever--fifth-grade boys will love it. (Humor. 10-12)

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February 1, 2013

Gr 3-6-Fascinating illustrations jam-packed with hilarious detail are the main attraction in this often-goofy take on human anatomy. Fans of Dav Pilkey's "Captain Underpants" (Scholastic) will be attracted by the disgustingly cool drawings. Those who like a strong delineation between fiction and nonfiction will not. The "100 percent fact-free chapters" actually contain facts. Although many of the pseudo facts are obviously untrue, some children may not be able to distinguish which are which (your nose is actually the length of your thumb, but a fear of ankles is not called "anklephobia"). There are no contextual hints as faux facts and actual facts are given equal weight and placed within the body of the text and in the "A & T's Fun Body Part Fact" boxes located below each page of text. One fact box about whiskey maker Jack Daniels seems inappropriate given the intended audience. Most of the illustrations are composed of multiple mini drawings, some of which tell their own story within the larger work. Readers will likely spend most of their time poring over the detailed art. The book is divided into parts, sections, and numbered entries, which end with, "That is all there is to know about ______." The entry for "Private Parts" deviates as it simply says, "Private parts are private." Despite the noteworthy illustrations, this book falls into the additional purchase category.-Cindy Wall, Southington Library & Museum, CT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2013
Grades 3-7 Filled with gross-out details that are 99.9% fact-free, this title combines science parodies with cartoon diagrams that will appeal to all those grade-schoolers who feel overwhelmed by the textbook approach to human anatomy. Lips are important: without lips you wouldn't be able to talk properly, use straws, wear lipstick, get lip piercings, or make pretend farting noises. Then there are pimples (small pus-packed protuberances), the appendix (nobody knows why we have the stupid things), and much more. Each wild anatomical fact appears opposite a big black-and-white drawing that extends the silliness with additional text: inside the image of a stomach, a bearded man yells, Let me out of here, you stupid artist! Great for sharing, even in science class.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)