With discoveries being made all of the time, our understanding of the human brain continues to evolve. These fascinating books provide learners young and old with an insight into the brain’s structure, function and how we can nurture it. Cartoon characters, MRI scan images, fun experiments and accessible texts all serve to provide readers with a great introduction to this remarkable organ.
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Good Night To Your Fantastic Elastic Brain
by JoAnn Deak (Author), Terrence Deak (Author), Neely Daggett (Illustrator)
Review: Recently published, this follow up to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain shows young readers what happens in their brains once they go to sleep. Appealing cartoon characters and bright illustrations help to present concepts in a child-friendly manner. The science behind the need for a good night’s sleep for the brain to function optimally is well presented with scientific terms and vocabulary clearly explained. Full of fascinating facts and insights, Good Night to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is a terrific introduction to how we can look after our brains and makes a perfect companion to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 8 years old. In my opinion, the book also offers slightly older readers plenty of learning points.
Brain Lab for Kids: 52 Mind-Blowing Experiments, Models, and Activities to Explore Neuroscience
by Eric H. Chudler
Review: Get ready to learn all about the brain with this highly engaging book. Suitable for home and school, this mixture of activities, experiments and models makes learning about the brain visual, interactive and fun. Divided into 10 units, readers experience building a brain, making a string neuron, investigating REM sleep cycles or finding out about the blind spot. Each activity is accompanied by facts about the brain as well as an explanation as to what is happening in the brain. Thinking Deeper sections provide learners with suggestions as to how to further develop their understanding. Clear instructions accompanied by photographs of steps along the way help learners achieve success. A perfect way to bring the brain to life!
Suggested Reading Age: 7- 11 years. In my opinion, many of these experiments and activities could be used with older learners too to help illustrate brain function.
Book of The Brain and How It Works
by Bettina Ip (Author) Mia Nilsson (Illustrator)
Review: This vibrant book takes learners on a wondrous journey through the brain. A friendly owl guides the reader, answering all manner of questions about the brain and how it functions. Beautifully drawn neuron endpapers set the tone for the book’s illustrations. The book begins with the owl posing the question, “Have you ever wondered how your brain works? How it learns new skills, such as how to ride a bicycle?”. The book subsequently explains what the brain looks like, introduces neurons, how the senses work, looks at memories and how we store them, how we make decisions, etc. Presented in accessible, bite-sized pieces of information, Mia Nilsson’s illustrations help to make this an inviting, fascinating read. Sure to be returned to over and again.
Click here for a flip-through of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 12 years old. I am sure that older learners would pick up some pieces of information from this too.
Big Brain Book: How It Works and All Its Quirks
by Leanne Boucher Gill PhD
Review: Packed full of information, the Big Brain Book: How It Works and All Its Quirks provides a comprehensive insight into the brain. Combining neuroscience and psychology, this enlightening book provides readers with a well-rounded view of the brain. Information is presented in a reader-friendly manner with opportunities to carry out mini-experiments enhancing the reader experience. A friendly introduction guides readers through different aspects of the book. Divided into three main sections, “Brain Anatomy”, “Brain and Body” and “When Things Go Wrong”, readers have the opportunity to explore questions such as, “How is my brain different from the brain of other animals?”, “Why do ice cream headaches happen?” and “Why does Grandma keep forgetting things?”. This book would make a great addition to any science library.
Suggested Reading Age: 10 – 13 years old.
The Human Brain Book
By Rita Carter
Review: If you are looking for MRI scans of the brain together with detailed illustrations and real insights into the brain’s workings, this is the book for you. This updated edition of The Human Brain Book begins by introducing the brain and highlighting landmarks in neuroscience. Ensuing chapters look at “The Brain and The Body”, “Brain Anatomy”, “Movement and Control”, “Emotions and Feelings”, “Language and Communication” as well as “Thinking” and “Consciousness”, for example. Ending by looking at brain disorders, this book helps biology students and interested readers to better understand how the brain works and what they can do to help keep their own brains in their best working order. An interesting and enlightening read. Highly recommended.
Suggested Reading Age: Older teens and beyond.
Happy Reading!
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Do YOU know of any great books about the brain to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .