The Great Big Brain Book

K-Gr 3–Fans of Hoffman’s writing and Asquith’s illustrations will understand the undeniable importance of the brain. From the five senses to making memories, learning motor skills and balancing emotions, the human brain acts like the body’s “command center.” Along with providing vocabulary words in the glossary, the text gives enough description without being overwhelming, as when the author discusses dementia, why babies cry, and why people might be good at multitasking. The watercolor illustrations are fluid and colorful against the white pages showing simple scientific accuracy, but also use recognizable characters and designs. A variety of people are represented in the text and illustrations via culture, religion, race, physical ability, and, of course, mental capabilities. Although some of the headings and captions could be hard to read for younger readers, information about the complexity of the brain is explained thoughtfully. The clear drawings help expand comprehension.