When it comes to helping children understand the mysteries and wonders of the human body it can be one of the most rewarding, and occasionally hilarious, parts of early education. When they start to ask questions like “Where does my food go?” or “Why do I need to wee?”, it’s clear that they are ready to explore the fascinating world of human biology. But how do you answer these question in a straightforward yet engaging way that they will understand? Well, for young readers, especially those in Key Stage 1 and 2, accessible and interactive books can be the perfect gateway to learning. That’s where Usborne’s See Inside Your Body comes in, a flap-filled, fact-packed introduction to human anatomy that’s as entertaining as it is educational.
When I was asked by a five-year-old what was inside his body, initially I didn’t know the best way to answer and turned to a model skeleton to help him visualise bones and joints. But his curiosity quickly outpaced my explanations. I needed a resource that could answer his questions clearly, accurately and in a way that would spark his imagination. After browsing the many options available (and there are many), I chose See Inside Your Body by Katie Daynes and Colin King, part of Usborne’s popular flap book series, and I’m so glad I did.
This 16-page board book has been designed for children aged six and up, though younger readers with adult support will also benefit. It covers a wide range of topics including eating and digestion, breathing, circulation, blood & muscles, brain power, senses and the urinary system. Each double-page spread is brimming with colourful illustrations and there are over 50 flaps to lift throughout the pages, each revealing hidden layers of information that deepen understanding and invite curiosity – and as kids love bodily functions it explains how poo and wee are made. The interactive format encourages children to explore at their own pace, making learning feel like a game rather than a lesson.
Overall, I think that this is a fascinating educational book that balances scientific accuracy with child-friendly language to make human biology accessible to children in an engaging way. It is not just great for children to learn about their own body but helps parents and carers explain the biology to them. It looks at concepts such as how food is broken down, how blood travels through the body and how the brain sends messages, and lots more, all explained in simple terms, often with a touch of humour. And of course, bodily functions are always a hit with young readers, and these are handled with honesty and clarity without overwhelming technical jargon.
The physical quality of the book is also worth mentioning. Being and interactive book and educational book for young children, it is sure to see a lot of use. The pages are constructed of sturdy card stock and therefore able to withstand the enthusiastic page turning by excited young readers. The liftable flaps on the pages are also seem durable, able to cope with the constant opening to look beneath them.
And then there are the illustrations by Colin King. These fantastic images, of which some can be quite complex, are vibrant and detailed, perfect for helping children visualise internal organs and systems as well as the inner workings of the human body without overwhelming them.
For me, as well as being very factual and wonderfully educational, it is also a very entertaining book. Children will be able to learn a lot from it, while their adult helpers will be better equipped to answer any questions on the body in a more informed way. For £10.99 I think it is a bargain for the knowledge that children will be able to take from it.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £10.99
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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