Simon, Seymour. 2006 (revised edition). THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. New York: HarperCollins.

ISBN 9780060877187.

In this informational title for children, award-winning author Seymour Simon introduces readers to the anatomy and function of the human brain. “Wiggle your toes. Scratch your nose…Think about what you would like to do tomorrow…Your brain is the control center for everything you do.” This visually engaging title in Simon’s Human Body series presents the latest facts about brain structure and the current theories regarding brain function, and was produced in conjunction with the Smithsonian and Dr. Orli R. Etingin (mentioned in the acknowledgments).

The expository text examines how the brain is organized from the smallest microscopic neuron cells to the brain portions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and stem, then expands to cover the spinal cord and the brain’s interaction with the rest of the body through nerves.

The visually appealing images are colorful and interesting, produced by various kinds of technologically advanced equipment: scanning electron microscopes, x-rays, and positron computed tomography. The authoritative text is straightforward and age-appropriate, clearly explaining complex ideas without sounding simplistic.

Browsable yet thorough, Simon again demonstrates his enthusiasm for the world around us, encouraging young readers to think, explore, and be amazed. “Simon has a knack for piquing the curiosity of youngsters and clearly communicating scientific facts. The Brain, written for ages 8 and older, is a solid launching pad for further investigation of the organ that makes us who we are.“ (Amazon Review, 1997) Readers can visit the author’s blog at http://www.seymourscience.com.

Reviews and Awards

Kirkus Reviews: “Full-color photographs, computer simulations, drawings, and three-dimensional models are used to grand effect to clarify, explain, and celebrate the remarkably complex system of brain and nerves… a case in which the picture-book format works perfectly to complement text with illustrations, but by no means indicates simplicity."

Booklist review: “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 relatively large print and generous use of white space make the text look easy... Simon's way of explaining what's happening in everyday terms enhances the book's readability.”

School Library Journal review: “His clear, concise writing style is complemented by stunning color images taken with radiological scanners, such as CAT scans, MRIs, and SEMs (scanning electron microscopes.) Included in his explanation are descriptions of the anatomy and function of the parts of the brain, long and short term memory, neurons, dendrites, and more.”

Seymour Simon has been called "the dean of the [children's science book] field" by the New York Times. He has written more than 200 books for young readers and is the recipient of the Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books, the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people, and the Educational Paperback Association Jeremiah Ludington Award. (Barnes and Noble Author Biography, 2009)

Titles in his Human Body series have garnered these awards:

The Brain: Our Nervous System - NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 1998

Eyes and Ears, 2003 - NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 2003

Bones: Our Skeletal System, 2000 - NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 1999

Guts: Our Digestive System, 2005 - NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 2005

Connections

I like the idea of a “Did You Know?” poster where children could list their favorite fast facts about a subject and add their own artwork to illustrate the concepts. For a unit on the human body, children could work with a partner to draw a life-sized outline of their body, cut it out, hang it up for display, and draw on the body systems as they are studied. Fun poems about each body part could also be printed and pasted on. A photo of each child’s face could be printed and pasted to personalize the drawing.

Other books by Seymour Simon about the human body:
The Heart: Our Circulatory System, 2006
Muscles: Our Muscular System, 2000
The Human Body, 2008
Lungs: Your Respiratory System, 2007

Note: some of these titles were originally published in the late 1990s and revised approximately ten years later with new pictures and updated text. Dates given are for the revised editions.