We're heading into the nonfiction realm with today's read and taking a peek at brains. No, zombies are not invited (for some reason, that was one of the first things I thought about). I found the cover very unique, and I can't remember ever picking up a book specifically about brains before. According to the blurb, this one should expand past humans and take a peek at the animal kingdom. I'm hoping that this will bring all sorts of fun facts with it, since there are so many possibilities on this front.
Let's see where these brains lead us!
THE NO-BRAINER BRAIN EXPLAINER
by The Crab Museum
Illustrated by Bruno Valasse
Wide Eyed Editions
Children's Nonfiction
64 pages
ages 6 to 9
COMING JUNE 9th!!!
MY TIDBITS
With a cast to delight, these pages run through all sorts of aspects surrounding brains and take a look at the vast possibilities brains have to offer.
This book is about brains. Obviously. I'll admit that the first pages had me raising my eyebrows, but after I sunk into the humor and things got rolling, I was completely immersed. The humor is quirky with tons of spunk...to the point that it almost feels chaotic, but it adds zest, and it works. While the illustrations are bright, energetic, and full of commotion, the information delivered is interesting, descriptive, and well done. All of it together hooks in a way, which makes it fun to discover what's next.
Starting off with some brain basics which explain neurons, the cerebral cortex, chemicals, and the like, the pages shift into the various attributes different creatures have thanks to their brains. From the electric eel to octopus dreams to elephant memories, these pages slide through all sorts of capabilities various creatures have and how their brains pull this off. The illustrations, while packing tons of nonsense and humor, also support the explanations in a way which makes them understandable.
While the humor flies in the illustrations as the characters taunt each other and make silly comments, this dialogue easily stays separate from the main text. The main text sticks to strict paragraph form and usual font to immediately make it stick out from the rest of the page. I was surprised at how small this font is in comparison to everything else, but it works. The information is brought across with interesting personality, keeping a light atmosphere while making the explanations clear and understandable. Plus, there is something for almost everyone to learn....it's the first time I've heard anything about the special attributes of a woodpecker's brain.
This is for readers who enjoy chaotic, silly fun while learning interesting facts. There's a lot of information packed into these pages and much of it includes lesser known things. This book is sold for ages 6 to 9, but I see this as going over many of their heads and would strongly recommend this one for the older, middle grade audience.
And here they are...
Crab Museum, Margate, UK, is run by Ned, Bertie, and Chase, but more importantly, it is Europe's first and only museum dedicated to the humble decapod. Crabs are a sideways-scuttling guide not just to the history of life on Earth, but also its future—from capitalism to climate change, there's nothing that can't be understood through the lens of these fascinating crustaceans. With inventive exhibits that combine humor, science, and philosophy, the award-winning Crab Museum pursues the noble claws of seeking to understand the natural world, and through it, ourselves.
Bruno Valasse has been designing, drawing, and making books, covers, posters, and illustrations for over 10 years, working with clients such as Tundra, Storey, the Mexican Film Academy, Penguin Random House, Santillana, Ediciones Castillo / Macmillan, Harper Collins and the Centro Cultural de España MX. He recently graduated from the Children’s Books Illustration MA at the Cambridge School of Arts, ARU. Bruno's first book, Shine, was released in 2024.
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