The brain is kind of a big deal by Nick Seluk

Although I’m familiar with the author as the creator of The sun is kind of a big deal, a fun and informative picture book in the same cartoon vein as this, apparently he’s known as the creator of a popular webcomic, Heart and Brain. Anyways, he brings his cartoon style to a picture book introducing the brain. The endpages are decorated with cartoons of body parts and goofy pop-culture references, but the book is accessible to a wide variety of ages and interests.

It starts by portraying the brain at an old-fashioned command center, wearing a helmet that connects by wires (nerves) to lots of different body parts. Beginning with the illustration of simply turning the page, Seluk explains how your brain is needed to control, direct, and organize all your body parts and movements. Readers will learn about neurons and synapses, seeing messages carried along the highways of the nerves in little blue cars. Separate cartoons show the brain running the heart and lungs, while a sidebar explains the difference between voluntary and involuntary movement. More complex things, like personality and emotions are also addressed. There is a two-page glossary and a set of brief cartoons about different animal brains at the end.

Verdict: This isn’t a storytime, read-aloud book, but it’s perfect for young elementary kids who can read on their own or with help and want to learn about how the body works. It’s also a great supplement for classroom teaching; caregivers may wish to encourage kids to draw their own cartoons about how the body works as well as think about how they can keep a healthy brain so all their body processes move smoothly.
ISBN: 9781338167009; Published October 2019 by Scholastic/Orchard Books; Purchased for the library