Good Night to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain

April 15, 2022
Grades K-3 A children's book about growth mindset may seem like a daunting subject, but in this informational picture book, the authors skillfully break the topic down into accessible and relatable segments. First up is an overview of the brain (shaped like an adorable pink walnut with oversize eyes and glasses) and how its different parts--the motor cortex, occipital lobe, etc.--perform special jobs for the body. Likening this organ to a muscle, the authors focus next on the many ways the brain becomes stronger while the body sleeps. For instance, they describe in simple yet comprehensive text how the brain develops neurons, remembers what it has learned, forgets bad memories, and even takes a "bath" to remove germs. In each of these sections, the text also reveals how these functions contribute to learning, being resilient, making better decisions, and staying healthy. The final section emphasizes the importance of sleep, including the benefits of getting enough sleep and the negative effects of having too little. The incorporation of cheery children throughout makes these lessons on brain health all the more enjoyable.

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May 1, 2022

Gr 1-3-In a series of charts and infographics, the authors convey up-to-date knowledge about the human brain and the science of sleep. Concepts are broken down into digestible chunks with straightforward vocabulary and charming analogies. The aunt-and-nephew writing team demonstrate respect for their audience, delving into complex vocabulary (often with phonetic pronunciation guides) and fascinating phenomena such as sleep paralysis. Though the recurring comparison of brains to muscles may do more to obscure than to elucidate accurate biological information, the text on the whole is useful and inviting, with positive suggestions to help readers develop sleep habits for continued brain health. Daggett's digital art complements the appealing presentation, with thick dashed lines emphasizing connections and directing readers' eyes from brightly colored diagrams offering an internal view of the nervous system and related anatomical structures to explanatory illustrations of children pursuing everyday activities. Cartoon-style sentient organs with smiling faces introduce scientific facts, led by a cheerful brain in thick-rimmed glasses. VERDICT This agreeable and scientifically thorough exploration of sleep and the human brain will interest and engage scientifically minded readers.-Jonah Dragan

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