Shaffer, Jody Jensen

Cub Reporter "interviews" the legendary African American sprinter and Olympic gold medalist. Rudolph responds to simplistic questions about her complicated life in her own hokey "voice" ("Yes, and I was so proud!"). Cartoons of a microphone-holding bear cub alternate with captioned photos that extend information. The premise may work for reluctant readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

In each book, light stories provide context for two young children having contrived discussions of human anatomy. The factual information is basic, with spot illustrations showing body segments; a final "Body by the Numbers" diagram rehashes the material. Full-page computer-generated illustrations accompanying the story lines are oddly distorted, especially in depictions of facial features and hair. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Inside My Body titles: My Bones, My Brain, My Stomach, My Heart, My Lungs, and My Muscles.