Look Here!, Vol. 2

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Each book in the "Let's start! Science" series about the senses starts the same way—there is an introduction to our five senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch). Hewitt then focuses on the particular sense noted in the title. Her colorful examples feature kids and they are ones that kids can easily relate to. These examples manage to impart lessons painlessly such as your sight helps you cross roads (look before crossing the street) is the message. Every few pages there are activities to reinforce the learning such as an easy experiment kids can perform to see their pupils change size. We learn a lot just by looking and there are other activities to test retention and the importance of two eyes to determine how far away something is. There is a simple diagram showing the major components of the eye and what each of these parts does. Questions throughout the text encourage thinking and discussion. The purpose of glasses and contact lenses as well as sunglasses are touched upon. Now that readers have a basic understanding of sight and its importance, the final section describes for kids what it is like to be blind and how the other senses such as touch can help blind children read. The book closes with another series of activities, a short glossary, index and a full page note for teachers and parents with advice as to other activities that can teach children even more about sight. A really good choice for home or classroom and as noted on the cover "an exciting way to learn about your senses." Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot