The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal

by Nick Seluk (Author) Nick Seluk (Illustrator)

The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Oh hey, guess what? New York Times bestseller Nick Seluk has a hilarious new nonfiction picture book all about your body's very own computer -- the brain!

Have you ever thought about everything your brain does for you? It is always working to keep you alive and safe. (Plus it lets you think about funny stuff, too.) So why is the brain such a big deal? Because it makes you YOU, of course!

This funny and factual picture book from Heart and Brain creator Nick Seluk explains the science behind everything the brain helps you do: keeping your heart beating, telling you when you are sleepy, remembering stuff, and more. The brain is in charge of everything you do, every minute of every day for your entire life. That's kind of a big deal.

Each spread features bite-sized text and comic-style art with sidebars sprinkled throughout. Anthropomorphized organs and body parts -- recognizable from Nick Seluk's New York Times bestselling book -- help readers learn through funny jokes and comic panels. Funny, smart, and accessible, The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal is a must-have!

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5—Seluk intermingles simple information on the role of the brain and how we learn with silly, humorous comics-style illustrations. A round pink brain wearing square glasses tries to make the other organs behave. A smart fact section on this page explains involuntary vs. voluntary functions. Some organs might be difficult for youngsters to recognize in the illustrations. Color pages help the text stand out, and every inch of the book is used. VERDICT Though some of the humor will fly over kids' heads, they will enjoy the silliness. Paired with Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak, this is a winner.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Seluk's breezy, conversational prose and brightly colored, bodly outlined cartoon illustrations deliver basic information. . . .A good overview of this complex, essential organ, with an energetic seasoning of silliness.—Kirkus ReviewsHumor is the platter on which science is served, and everything here is done with the lightest touch. . . .A winning balance of laughter and learning.—BooklistSeluk intermingles simple information on the role of the brain and how we learn with silly, humorous comics-style illustrations. . . .this is a winner.—School Library JournalA bold, humorous nonfiction introduction to the human brain and how it functions. . . .Readers will delight in the comic details of this title while learning a ton of facts about a typically complex subject.—School Library ConnectionPraise for The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal: This charming star shines bright. — Kirkus ReviewsThe silliness might be the trick to get students learning about the sun in a fun way. VERDICT An amusing treat for kids interested in space. — School Library Journal
Nick Seluk
Nick Seluk worked as a graphic designer before becoming a full-time illustrator. He is the creator of the popular Awkward Yeti comic and author of the New York Times bestselling Heart and Brain, and its follow-ups Gut Instincts, and Body Language. His work has appeared on CBSNews.com, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, reddit, and blogs across the internet. Nick lives in Michigan with his wife, three kids, and a very awkward dog. You can find more info on Nick at theawkwardyeti.com.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781338167009
Lexile Measure
580
Guided Reading Level
N
Publisher
Orchard Books
Publication date
October 20, 2019
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF028000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Humor | General
JNF051030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Anatomy & Physiology
JNF013060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Concepts | Senses & Sensation
JNF013110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Concepts | Body
Library of Congress categories
Brain

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