Human Body Factory: The Nuts and Bolts of Your Insides

Gr 4–6—This fantastical look at the inner workings of bodies covers a lot of material, including systems, organs, and processes, all using a factory as a metaphor. Each spread, encased in a yellow-and-gray-striped ribbon reminiscent of a construction zone, represents a department. An inset locates the organ or system within a body outline and introduces it. In bright colors, a cross-section of the part(s) under scrutiny is shown with dozens of frenetic workers, pieces of machinery, and equipment presented in small vignettes that illustrate its various functions and features. Numerous speech and thought bubbles build in humor and further details. Labels and occasional diagrams help orient readers. The spreads begin with the brain and proceed in a relatively top-to-bottom order ending with "Reproduction" or the "New Model Planning Unit" and the somewhat incongruous "Pregnancy" or "New Model Production" department. Each panel stands alone, missing opportunities for continuity, although references to other pages are given where appropriate. The busyness of the illustrations mimics the "Where's Waldo" (Candlewick) style and requires close viewing as does the inclusion of Clatterbones, a skeleton that readers are encouraged to locate in many of the spreads. While the frenzy on the pages might not help illuminate the inner workings of the human body, readers will enjoy browsing this lively title.—Carol S. Surges, Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI