Staying Fit, Staying Safe

Developing good safety habits, eating the right foods, and staying fit always have relevance to the lives of young people, and with healthcare and child safety issues a constant presence in the media, there is definitely a sense of timeliness to these books. While none of these resources overtly addresses political issues, parents and teachers may still be attracted to them because they are both relevant to children and tie in to current events. Whether the series offer reliable information and maintain a presentation and tone that will appeal to youngsters were important evaluation points for the books discussed below.

PreS-Gr 2–In a superhero suit that features the internal organs of the upper body, Slim Goodbody introduces the groups of the U.S. Food Pyramid. Information includes the different varieties of food found around the world, the path from nature to plate, health benefits and recommended daily servings, and acknowledgment of other dietary recommendations. The sensibility of the series is like that of an educational television show, with children dressed in T-shirts picturing the featured food sharing hosting duties with Slim, and the occasional singsong rhyme, such as the one in Dairy: “I think it’s amazing/How milk in your glass/Starts out in a field,/With a cow munching grass.” There is a picture glossary instead of a textual one, which is fine for “avocado” and “eggplant,” but not so much for “kohlrabi” and “falafel.”

K-Gr 3–Just as this series offers a wide array of subjects, each book covers a broad range of topics. Visually, the effect is almost equal to looking at a series of fact cards arranged on the pages. Our Bodies, for example, provides a few short paragraphs each about nutrition, getting adequate sleep, keeping fit, anatomy, and staying clean. While this structure makes for quick reads, and the tables of contents will direct budding researchers to the information, there is little cohesion between the facts. Moreover, the advice-laden language is instructive, but not always explanatory–for example, Good Manners suggests sending thank-you notes, but gives no advice about how to word them. Also, there are no introductions or conclusions to tie everything together, which might make it hard for readers to see the bigger picture.

PreS-K–Whether concisely and colorfully showing the process of getting older (Growing Up) or providing easy actions that get the body moving (Keeping Well), this series makes learning fun. Each book employs a simplified game of “Where’s Waldo?” by hiding a cartoon tiger on almost every page. This approach, combined with questions such as “How tall are you?” (Body) and “What are your favorite flavors?” (Senses), will encourage discussion and involvement with the texts. Tailor-made for sharing, the books also include crafts (making a collage for each of the five senses or compiling vital statistics) that will solidify the lessons.

Gr 2-4–Hypothetical situations with fictional characters put readers in the moment and provide a solid foundation for comprehending these various conditions. For example, the text in ADHD reads, “Owen does not like sitting still. In class, he fidgets all the time. He is always leaving his seat without permission, too.” Next comes the definition of the word “hyperactive” and an explanation of how it relates to people who have ADHD. This approach, paired with the well-chosen photos and diagrams, makes the books informative for their intended audiences: children who suffer from the disorder and their friends, family, or classmates. Though frank about whether a disease has life-threatening aspects or no cure, Robbins maintains a comforting tone, reassuring readers that it is possible to lead active lives with proper attention to diet and guidance from parents and doctors.

PreS-Gr 1–Spare, declarative sentences coupled with bright, full-color photos make these books appropriate for reading aloud in the classroom or even during a themed storyhour. Especially useful are the engaging “Your Choice” sections, which pose questions such as “You like playing computer games indoors. You have a soccer computer game that is fun to play. Is that good exercise?” While each spread introduces a new topic (e.g. Healthy Food’s “Eating Regular Meals,” “Healthy Grains,” and “Unhealthy Food”), solid introductions and conclusions make for cohesive packages. Each book begins with a general statement about the importance of the particular subject and ends with the reassurance that starting good habits will contribute to a healthy life.

Gr 4-8–With titles formatted to look like those of case files bursting with information, this is a visually appealing series. Straightforward coverage includes almost all conceivable aspects of the subject, resulting in a broad spectrum of overviews. Diet, for example, covers how to decipher labels, food hygiene, body image, and even water consumption. Despite the lack of depth, the books’ conversational language will help promote interest and independent learning. Sidebars designed to keep readers involved are the “Speak Your Mind” quotes (which, since they are unattributed, are for interest more than research), “What Would You Do?” multiple-choice quizzes, and “It’s a Fact” informational tidbits. “What Would You Do?” features invite discussion and thought with their realistic (for the most part) situations; answers are provided in the back matter. The “It’s a Fact” sections work like quick sound bites but the sources are unclear. Further-reading recommendations consist of a few print resources and a reference to a webliography on the publisher’s Web site. These features (along with an inordinate reliance on British statistics in Drinking and Smoking) make the books more amenable as a starting point for research, reports, and self-help rather than as sole sources.

Gr 5-8–The goal of this series is to give readers a better understanding of these disorders since they will often be in contact with sufferers. The writers accomplish this mission quite well, thoroughly explicating the diseases in a way that will not overwhelm readers (text is small but chapters are only two pages long). The books provide basic overviews of the health concerns related to the disease; information on diagnosis and treatment; and a discussion of the challenges or complications experienced by the affected person and their family/friends, and how to manage those problems. The texts close with a chapter about ongoing research and possible future cures. The “Further Information” sections include books that have been published in the past few years as well as a list of appropriate organizations and Web sites. The incorporation of quotes and personal accounts in “Case Notes” sidebars adds to the sensitive tone found throughout the series.

Gr 5-8–Indeed these books deliver the “hows and whys,” providing a solid foundation for understanding what happens to the body during and because of a particular exercise. Topics covered include health benefits, muscles and how they are affected, the body systems involved during activity, supplies, and the latest developments in the sport. Frequently asked questions are addressed (such as, in Weight Training, how much to lift). Though such a specialized focus has the danger of sounding like an infomercial, the books have a tone of authority gained by acknowledging the dangers of excessive behavior and discussing how to avoid injury. Additionally, every book encourages seeking professional guidance, whether from gym employees, a bike-shop assistant, coach, or swimming instructor.

Gr 9 Up–These experts, who are as adept at conveying the fundamentals as they are in their respective specializations, deliver the step-by-step instructions one would expect from a manual. The books have bindings that are practical for libraries but that will be potentially frustrating for readers when they try to keep the pages open to learn a particular movement or position. Some writers give overviews of different practices, schools of thought, and philosophical origins. Other times, a whole page will be used to demonstrate a move or topic. Since these are guides for young women, it is disconcerting that not all the featured participants are female, though the information is still sound and easy to follow. Empowering enough to instill confidence that readers could walk into their first class with a solid knowledge base, the guides are appropriate for both beginners and for aficionados who need reference sources.

Gr 4-7–Presenting the “history, effects, and dangers” of these drugs is not easy, yet these authors do just that in compact and concise packages. Salient and interesting points of history are noted, such as sidebar information about Carry Nation, who strong-armed bars by wielding an axe against their stock (Alcohol), or the fact that the colony of Virginia required farmers to grow hemp (Marijuana). Smooth transitions bring readers up-to-date with present laws. Each book provides clear explanations about effects, followed by diagrams of the body to clarify the specific organs/body systems that suffer the most damage. The presentations are straightforward, especially in the acknowledgment that because of peer pressure, the decision to try drugs is often made without knowing all about the possible consequences. This series provides an excellent starting point for remedying that problem.

As reading about health can almost be equal to taking medicine in some children’s minds, and consuming safety tip after tip becomes boring, the more successful of these series strike a balance between presenting clear-cut facts and appealing to readers’ sensibilities. While the activities in Sea-to-Sea’s “Tiger Talk: All About Me” series add a sense of fun to learning, Heinemann’s “Health and Fitness” gets the preschool recommendation for covering a broader range of subjects. Rosen’s “Kids’ Health” will work well for early graders who are beginning to gain awareness about disorders, while its “Know the Facts” will help older children learn about their overall health. The in-depth coverage in Smart Apple Media’s “Explaining” series is exceptional, and readers will gain from it a better understanding of the people in their community.