Perennially popular with young students, learning about the digestive system and how it works is a great introduction to finding out about the human body. With growing awareness of the gut-brain connection, as well as the role the gut plays in our general health and well-being, understanding our digestive systems has never seemed more important. The books featured below move beyond “simply” introducing the system and how it functions to explore some of these popular topics.
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My Digestive System
by Emily Raij
Review: My Digestive System is a perfect introduction for young readers. Colourful pictures and illustrations accompany clear and straightforward text. New vocabulary is recorded in a helpful glossary. Further reading together with internet links enable interested readers to deepen their explorations. Three critical thinking questions at the end of the book ask readers to apply their new learning. Coming in at 24 pages, My Digestive System whets young children’s appetites to learn more.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old. In my opinion, this is best suited to the younger end of this age bracket.
Gut Garden
by Katie Brosnan
Review: This book’s delightful front cover is enough to make any reader want to open it and flick through its pages. Gut Garden takes readers on an enchanting journey through the gut, introducing readers to the microbes that live there and the roles they play. Stunningly illustrated, Katie Brosnan makes this journey fun and interesting. She begins by explaining what microbes are, before introducing microbes in the world around us and then diving down into microbes in the body. Written in a highly accessible manner, young and older readers will learn plenty from this book. A real treat and a super first look at microbes.
Suggested Reading Age: 6 to 10 years old. In my opinion, the book’s aesthetic would also appeal to older readers.
It Takes Guts: How Your Body Turns Food Into Fuel (And Poop)
by Dr. Jennifer Gardy (Author), Belle Wuthrich (Illustrator)
Review: Dr. Jennifer Grady engagingly guides learners through the digestive process in this vibrant, informative book. Each chapter focuses on one aspect of digestion beginning with the mouth, progressing through the oesophagus and stomach and finally ending up with poop. Belle Wuthrich’s illustrations support and enhance the written text. There are plenty of fascinating facts and information for the most avid budding scientist to get their teeth into. This would make a perfect addition to any science library.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 to 12 years old.
The Science Of The Digestive System: Flowchart Smart
by Louise Spilsbury (Author), Richard Spilsbury (Author)
Review: The Science Of The Digestive System uses a combination of text and colourful flowcharts to make the function of the digestive system accessible to readers. Chapters take a look at digestion at work, how the body uses food and improving digestion, for example. A glossary and guidance to additional resources further enhance the book. This is a great way for students who particularly enjoy interpreting graphics to access and understand information.
Click here to look inside.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 to 12 years old.
Science Comics: The Digestive System
by Jason Viola (Author), Andy Ristaino (Illustrator)
Review: Perfect for more reluctant readers or for providing young learners with a fresh take on science, this comic book format makes the workings of the digestive system instantly accessible. Brightly coloured, friendly characters take readers on an entertaining and informative journey through the gut. Key terms are written in bold, making it easy for learners to identify vocabulary to learn and remember. A fun and interesting read, this is a fun way to learn about the digestive system.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 to 13 years old. In my opinion, many slightly older students would also enjoy the accessible nature of this book.
Gut: The Inside Story Of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ
by Giulia Enders (Author), Jill Enders (Illustrator)
Review: Older readers will find plenty to enlighten and entertain them when reading this book. Full of anecdotal observations and scientific facts, Giulia Enders makes reading about the gut a delight. Written in a relaxed, friendly style readers will develop an understanding of their gut and how it works like never before. Revised in 2018, this edition would make a great addition to any library or popular science bookshelf.
Suggested Reading Age: Older teens and adults.
Happy Reading!
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Do YOU know of any other digestive system books to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .