Nonfiction/Biography: THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Bibliography


Simon, Seymour. 1997. The Brain: Our Nervous System. New York, NY: Harper Collins Children's Books. ISBN 0-688-14641-4


Summary



The Brain: Our Nervous System presents children with concise, logically presented information on this most important of organs. In this introductory look, Simon begins by asking readers to think about thinking. Then he explains the intricate parts that make up the brain and the functions they perform, such as glial cells supporting the neurons. After describing how the nervous system works, Simon gives readers a look at at the brain section by section.



Critical Analysis

This book targets a young audience, yet Simon gives them the courtesy of correct terms and vocabulary, including some Latin roots. Pictures and diagrams are clearly labeled to demonstrate the information presented on the page. The author explains the functions in a manner that neither condescends to nor confuses the reader, such as comparing myelin sheaths to insulation around electrical wire. Neither the text nor supporting images overwhelm the reader.

Vivid images of the brain, models, and diagrams contribute to the artistic and intellectual merit of this photo essay. The black background used on many pages enhances the striking nature of the computer enhanced images and emphasizes the text.

Review Excerpts

Booklist: "Pictures include computer-generated scans, a diagrammatic painting, and many photographs, some greatly enlarged and color enhanced. The vivid illustrations catch the eye, but the clearly written text provides a fuller understanding of what happens in various parts of the brain and nervous system. "

The Horn Book: "The variety of views and the lucid presentation provide an absorbing introduction to this amazing control system that "can do more jobs than the most powerful computer ever made."

Connections



After reading Simon's series about the body, children could outline themselves on butcher paper and add the interesting facts they gleaned near the corresponding body part.


Seymour, Simon. The Heart: Our Circulation System. ISBN-13: 978-0060877217

Seymour, Simon. Bones: Our Skeletal System. ISBN-13: 978-0688177218

Seymour, Simon. Guts: Our Digestive System. ISBN-13: 978-0060546519

Seymour, Simon. Lungs: Your Respiratory System. ISBN-13: 978-0060546519

Seymour, Simon. Eyes and Ears. ISBN-10: 0688153038

Seymour, Simon. Muscles: Our Muscular System. ISBN-13: 978-0688177201





The popular Magic School Bus series investigates the body:



Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body. ISBN-13: 978-0590414272