My Itchy Body

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