I Know How My Cells Make Me Grow; I Know Why I Brush My Teeth
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Cover Story
This issue’s cover is from a stunning new picture book, Mary’s Secret by David McKee (Andersen Press, 0 86264 909 9, £9.99). An ecological fable about doing without cars, McKee’s story with its bright pictures full of well observed detail is set within Mary’s cheerful family and at her school. His bold, painterly illustrations use the page so confidently and dextrously that their quirky, decorative perspectives seem entirely natural. Thanks to Andersen Press for their help in producing this September cover.
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I Know How My Cells Make Me Grow
Illustrated by Katharine McEwen
I Know Why I Brush My Teeth
Illustrated by Katharine McEwen
Sam and his mum (an androgynous super-parent who imparts knowledge while folding laundry and tidying up – before breakfast) discuss the topics of cells and teeth in these cheerful picture books.
There is plenty of clearly-expressed information, presented as a conversation with both Sam and Mum able to air their knowledge, and some nice analogies to help 5s and 6s with the concepts. Each book contains a few labelled diagrams (such as a cross section of a tooth). The illustrations, with some fun features in a style reminiscent of Oxford Reading Tree, mostly set the scene around chunks of text; visual analogies are provided (e.g. cells being like building blocks).
The end result is a bit earnest for my liking, and dinosaurs, sharks and jokes, intended to appeal to the reluctant young scientist, seem patronising, as is Mum of Sam’s remarks at times. A strange slip is the use of Sam’s term ‘floor stuff’ instead of ‘fluoride’: distracting rather than funny, and unnecessary.
