The Brain: our nervous system

Simon, Seymour.  1997.  The Brain: our nervous system.  New York: HarperCollins Publishers.  ISBN 9780060877187

“Wiggle your toes. Scratch your nose. Take a deep breath and yawn.” These are Simon’s opening words and instructions leading to the basic idea that all of these things are controlled by the brain.

In this revised edition The Brain, Simon continues to intrigue, excite and explain the machinations of the human brain. Having teamed up with the Smithsonian Institute for the production of his science books, Simon has produced another informative piece of work that has the backing of one of America’s most reputable institutions.

With his deliberate and approachable text, The Brain is able to engage young readers while educating them: “The cerebellum is the part of your brain that lets you drink water without spilling it…”

Designed to grab the attention of the researcher or casual page-flipper, this book is filled with vivid and relevant photographs, micrographs, and drawings that provide the reader with visual depictions of what the text describes. A photography note in the beginning of the book explains how many of the incredible pictures are possible.

Each page of text describes a slightly different aspect of the brain and its functions as one makes head-way through the book. Any of these pages could be viewed in varying orders depending on the interest of the reader; however, there is no index or glossary, so the reader may have more difficulty reading the book out of its printed order without prior knowledge of the terms used.

Easily, this book could be incorporated into lesson plans, anatomy displays or in connection with any neurological discussion (maybe an introduction to neurological disorders if a child’s family is being affected).

This is a fascinating look at the human brain that will have kids’ minds reeling with information.

The Brain: our nervous system (1997) is the recipient of the 1998 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children. This review is based on the 2006, revised, edition.

“The variety of the photographic views and the lucid presentation provide an absorbing introduction to this amazing system…”(Horn Book Review/Spring 2007)