My Itchy Body

October 1, 2012

Gr 3-5-From the pastel covers to the final affirming messages, these titles offer solid information in a calm, approachable style. Healthy Body includes the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of good health, covering expected topics such as sleep, exercise, vaccines, nutrition, and hygiene, but also including relationships and mental stimulation. Itchy Body begins on the outside and moves inward addressing dry skin, the various causes for inflammation, insects, infections, internal catalysts, and stress. An introduction reminds readers to get regular medical checkups and outlines the topic. Every section begins with a bold heading and most conclude with a "Fun Fact," "True or False?" question and answer, and, occasionally, a "Doctor Says" point. Cartoon spot art amplifies the information on every page, breaking up the text that is written in a slightly oversize font. The books are intended to be read from beginning to end; there is no table of contents or index. The overall tone will reassure readers much like a visit to a favorite family doctor.-Carol S. Surges, Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2012
Grades 3-6 Whether it's dry skin, contact dermatitis, or hives, this title in the Body Works series debunks the mysteries surrounding common causes of itchiness. The tone of the book is frank and humorous and aimed at empowering children with knowledge about their bodies. Each type of itch-causer is broken down into its own section Atopic Dermatitis and Bites and Infestations, for instanceand further information appears as Fun Facts. There's also the occasional true-or-false question and tip from the doctor ( The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower ). The cartoon illustrations help keep things on the lighter side, and there are, obviously, plenty of pictures of unhappy kids covered in splotches. This is also a good resource for fielding tough-to-answer questions from inquisitive kids like, Why does scratching an itch makes you itch more? The authors are careful to emphasize the importance of seeing a doctor for health concerns, and a glossary, which is the only back matter, explains medical terms.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)