When I Eat

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-- Simple explanations of body systems, coupled with ink-and-watercolor cartoon characters reminiscent of Professor Xargle's earthlings (Dutton), result in two appealing offerings. Each first-person narrative features a child who relates the various body functions to everyday activities in a conversational tone. How I Breathe outlines the respiratory process, mentions how various animals and fish breathe, and briefly touches on the hazards of air pollution. A couple of anatomical diagrams appear as crayon drawings that could have been done by the narrator. When I Eat begins with discussion of why human and other mammal babies subsist at first on milk, followed by examinations of the digestive system, foods eaten by animals, photosynthesis in plants, and a rudimentary listing of nutritious foods and their contributions to a healthy body. Appended to each volume is a note to adults that lists ideas for activities and discussion to reinforce the concepts introduced in the text. Aimed at a slightly younger audience than Richardson's What Happens When You Breathe? and What Happens When You Eat? (both Gareth Stevens, 1986), these would be well used by teachers presenting health units. --Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, MI