Sam's Science: I Know How My Cells Make Me Grow

Sam and his mother talk about the different kind of cells in his body, how they grow, and how in doing so they help him grow, in a new addition to a clear, accurate science series.

PreS-Gr 2-These picture books contain simple facts loosely tied to health-science themes. In Cells, Sam's complaint about his sweater shrinking leads Mom to explain that his bones, muscles, and skin are all growing. Drawings show how cells grow and split to make more cells. Sam giggles when his mother's pants split and exclaims, "You're growing out instead of up!" In the second book, a wiggly tooth at bath time leads mother and son to a discussion about fluoride; brushing; the parts of a tooth; and, finally, sharks, which keep growing new teeth all of their lives. Labeled drawings show the layers of a tooth as well as placement in the mouth. The information presented in the books is simple and accurate. The colorful cartoons, mixed with text in a handwritten style, make them inviting. Unfortunately, the similarity of poses, clothing, and expressions (Mom has exactly the same look on her face whether sorting laundry or speaking to Sam) rob the characters of any personality. Useful additions for libraries building science/health collections for the very young.-Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

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