Professor Astro Cat's Human Body Odyssey

Gr 3–7—Professor Astro Cat's latest adventure investigates human anatomy and physiology, starring a cartoonish Dr. Walliman (the book's author) as the test subject. Professor Astro Cat and fellow animal friends use special inventions to hone in on (and shrink down and travel into) different parts of Dr. Walliman's body à la Magic School Bus. The crew's survey spans the body's various systems and organs vis-à-vis full-color illustrated diagrams accompanied by small sidebars. The oversize trim size of the book allows for some diagrams to be larger than life, which will delight curious readers. Illustrations show genitalia and bodily functions (such as feces passing through the rectum) in age-appropriate, clinical terms. Definitions and facts are in small black or white print against a colorful background, which can be hard to read at times. Overall, the tone is educational, peppered with several comedic vignettes. However, the text uses the word impairments to describe disabilities—and most of those included are physical disabilities. The short discussion of mental health is commendable. U.S. readers will notice differences in Canadian spellings (for instance, oesophagus) but the content is still relatable.