See How You Grow

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1 ``A lift-the-flap body book'' that introduces the reproductive process, with some basic information on growth and development. The book follows young Sarah's family through the conception and birth of her brother Ben, then offers some insight into the first year of growth, the roles various foods play in growth, genetics, and body changes through adulthood and old age. Each of these is covered in a couple of paragraphs, accompanied by large, clear, full color wash drawings. The seven flap lifts offer three views inside mother's womb, a look at Sarah's missing tooth, Ben's growth from nine months to a year and Sarah's from five to seven years, and a peek inside Grandma's locket. Aside from the womb illustrations, the flaps are just a gimmick; there's no surprise that an effective book of this type offers. Proper terms such as placenta and umbilical cord are used, but the writing sometimes falls into a condescending, cutesy tone (``Only grownups can make babies and to do this they have a very close and special cuddle in bed''). Those looking for a good book on reproduction would be better served by Joanna Cole's How You Were Born (Morrow, 1984). Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, Mich.