School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--7--The creators of Brains On!, a science podcast for kids, offer a nonfiction book about biology. Each chapter provides a broad overview of the primary subjects, which include plants, animals, humans, and microworlds, followed by a deeper dive into ideas or facts. For example, the chapter discussing humans examines the main body systems, then takes a closer look at the digestive system. The main text is lengthy and assumes some basic knowledge of science and biology in particular, so this title is best suited for older elementary and middle school children. Sidebars, diagrams, and occasional comics break up the text, as do recurring features, including mystery photographs, "Moment of Eww" sections, and "Mega Matchup" battles that inject humor and detail into each chapter. While far from comprehensive, this fact-filled resource is very readable. VERDICT The Brains On! creators know their audience. Science and humor come together to create a title that will be picked up again and again.--Jody Kopple, Shady Hill Sch., Cambridge, MA
Kirkus Review
A ramble through "the totally bizarre, ultra-epic, sometimes disgusting world of biology." With unflagging zest the hosts of American Public Media's Brains On! podcast take on dozens of such need-to-know topics as whether plants can perceive sound, "why…frogs' tongues stretch so far," why we dream, and "are dogs self-aware?" Along with introducing real scientists working in the actual Dog Cognition Lab and elsewhere, the authors--depicted as small cartoon figures throughout--cast sidelights on historical hoaxes, tuck in "mystery photo" close-ups, and also pair up lots of unlikely adversaries in smack-down--style contests. For the latter, they lay out facts about each and leave it to readers to judge winners: "Which stinker is cooler: Durian or Corpse Flower?" The survey includes breezy ventures into the animal and plant kingdoms, quick rides through select systems of the Bodyland amusement park, and a closing voyage to the teeming realm of microbiota for ganders at microscopic mites, fungi, and bacteria (but not viruses). Even scientifically savvy readers may find the small-print bibliography more than a bit on the technical and scholarly side. Still, it's always better to challenge an audience than underestimate it. Recurring cast members in the illustrations present White; other cartoon figures include people of color. A grab bag of bio-wonders. (index) (Nonfiction. 10-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This attractive, graphic-rich compendium is based on the popular children's podcast Brain's On, and it offers brief articles accompanied by all sorts of fact boxes, quick quizzes, visual identification games, truth-versus-fiction charts, historical hoaxes, color photos, bright and humorous digital illustrations, questions to ponder, and cheesy jokes gloriously spewed across image-filled pages. There are four sections: Animals, Plants, Humans, and the Micro-verse (microbes, bacteria, fungi, and microfauna). Special features like "Moments of Eww" (particularly disgusting tidbits); "Moments of Um" (answers to important questions like "What's the difference between farts and burps?"); and "Mega-Matchups," which pit various organisms against each other (dogs versus cats; Porcupine caribou versus monarch butterflies), add to the general hilarity. It's not just fun and games, despite the breezy commentary provided by the three author-podcasters: the text is factual and authoritative and manages to pack in a considerable amount of information backed up by an extensive bibliography. This eye-catching and engaging offering will perk up STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, medicine) collections and will appeal to browsers and researchers alike.
