The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal written and illustrated by Nick Seluk is an engaging look at the wonderful and busy world of the brain as it sends messages throughout the body telling the lungs to breathe, the heart to pump and ever so many other directives necessary for living life.
The book’s snappy narrative will hold the attention of young readers as it makes the sophisticated activities of the brain understandable. The story of sending and receiving messages is well-described as the essential activities of neurons, synapses and the system of nerves are discussed.
The visual presentation of the brain and its work is full of eye-popping fun! Bouncy colors and clever cartoon characters help tell this story. The Brainiacs, a musical group with Muscle on keyboard, Heart on drums, Brain as lead vocals and on guitar, Lungs as back-up vocals, Tongue on bass and Stomach on bongos, play a delightful role in the fun throughout this informative book. There’s a lively poster of this group on the inside of the cover.
A useful glossary reminds the reader of twenty brain-related processes discussed in the book such as long and short-term memory, voluntary and involuntary function, the role of neurons and the geography of the brain’s five lobes.
The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal, written and illustrated by Nick Seluk, is a real cool introduction to the brain which the author/ illustrator calls “a living computer.” It will be especially enjoyed by readers 6-8 years of age (Orchard Books/ an imprint of Scholastic, 2019).
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. A link to the podcast and activity questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Questions for The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal
The inside of the cover of this book is a poster of The Brainiacs, the Brain’s band. Study the members of this band and give each band member a nickname or stage name that relates to the role the member plays in the body. Remember, this is a cool band so don’t be afraid to let your imagination romp!
The author has included two pages of wild facts about animal brains at the back of the book. Read through all eight---they are very interesting. Which wild facts were most surprising to you? Do some research and find a wild brain-fact about another animal. Parents can help if needed. Draw a picture of this animal and write a paragraph below your drawing about the wild fact you found.
Make a list of whatever happens when you wake up from a night’s sleep and get ready for school----such as wake up, yawn, stretch, get dressed, smell food, walk into the kitchen, eat breakfast, belch, brush your teeth, pack your bookbag, feel happy and such. Then put these and other actions into two lists—one for involuntary actions and one for voluntary actions.
