Body Talk

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Body Talk is something of a misnomer, as the book introduces a wide variety of types of nonverbal communication, both human and animal. But it is no more than an introduction, as each subject is merely touched upon, piquing readers' interest and providing a springboard for discussion, but not offering much solid information. Each of the 13 topics is covered in a double-page spread composed primarily of photographs and lengthy captions, which comprise much of the text. Topics include gestures, body decoration, animal signals and communication through expression and sounds, theater and dance, and religious signs. Text is simple, sometimes to the point of being superfluous, such as ``sometimes people decorate their bodies because they want to look different'' next to a picture of a counterculture couple in full regalia. Much of what is stated is obvious: ``In every country of the world people like to dance'' is the entire introductory paragraph to the section on dance. An additional purchase at best.-Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, MI