Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-Simon presents information on the structure and function of these sensory organs in concise terms. The now-familiar oversized format of this author’s work is well suited for the photos of rods and cones, eardrums, and cochlear and optic nerves. The text clearly explains the anatomy and physiology of the eye and ear, and also includes information on optical illusions, blind spots, and the role of the ear in keeping our balance. The writing is well organized and succinct, providing enough information for reports but not so much as to overwhelm young readers. The clear illustrations complement the text, and the close-up color photos are, as always, quite impressive. An excellent overview.
Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. Veteran science writer Simon is at his very best here explaining how we see and hear. With simple, direct prose, he makes clear how “our eyes and ears sense light and sound and send nerve signals to the brain.” Then he shows how the brain puts the information together. The large, exquisitely reproduced photographs from a number of sources look like fiery planets, galaxies, and monster creatures, and they may be more dazzling than explanatory, but they bring the science up close with pictures of everything from an eyeball to the cone cells on a retina to the thin flap of skin that is the eardrum. The anatomy and physiology are detailed and accurate, with clear diagrams that show the human body and how it works. Whether Simon talks about the reason for nearsightedness or how the ears’ semicircular canals affect balance, he has a rare ability to explain the facts and the wonder of them without being condescending or cute. He also offers a few interactive pages, including entertaining examples of optical illusions and instructions for checking the blind spot on the retina. This will also interest high-school students and adults. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
About the Author
Seymour Simon is the author of over one hundred science books for children. His many award-winning books include Icebergs and Glaciers, a New York Academy of Sciences Children’s Book Award winner, as well as Storms, Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Mountains, and many books about the solar system. Mr. Simon is the recipient of the Washington Post/Children’s Book Guild Award for Nonfiction for the body of his work. He lives in Great Neck, New York.
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