Human Body Theater

July 20, 2015
The sheer volume of information Wicks (Primates) packs into this theatrical tour of the human body is mind-boggling. A cheery skeleton presides over the presentation of anatomical facts, hamming it up with corny jokes (“This may be the endocrine system, but it sure ain’t the end-o-this show!”). The skeleton’s sidekicks—a finger who serves as a demonstration model, a friendly water molecule, and dozens of other biological entities—prance on and off the stage on tiny legs. Early sections are somewhat slow going (“Golgi bodies package proteins into vesicles”), and the glossary, puzzlingly, tends to define familiar terms and omit the more technical ones. But Wicks’s clearly drawn diagrams are easy to follow, and once readers beat their way through the alveoli and fibrinogen, they are free to consider elimination (with a guest appearance by some talking poop), reproduction (with low-key, inoffensive schematic drawings), and descriptions of the senses. The payoff comes at the very end, when the skeleton dons all the systems it has described and is revealed as the author. Brilliant adjunct reading for biology students and the terminally curious. Ages 10–14. Agent: Bernadette Baker-Baughman, Victoria Sanders & Associates.

August 15, 2015
A theatrical introduction to human anatomy, as well-choreographed as it is informative. In 11 "Acts" hosted con brio by a skeletal impresario ("Bring out the lungs!"), Wicks parades a revue of body systems across a curtained stage. It's a full program, with a teeming supporting cast from Dopamine to Diaphragm, Golgi Body to Gastroenteritis joining more-familiar headliners. The presentation opens with a zoom down to the cellular and even molecular levels to lay foundations for later macro and micro views of digestion, infection, and disease. Following this, the five senses (only five), the "dance of the oxygen fairies," allergic reactions, and other anatomical processes that make up each system's major components, most sporting cheery emoji-style faces, expressively demonstrate their respective functions. The reproductive system's named parts deliver a frank but visually discreet turn with descriptions of erections and fertilization but no direct depictions, and it stops with the onset of puberty. The performances are enhanced by labeled diagrams, pitches on relevant topics from the importance of immunization and proper nutrition to synonyms for "fart," and lists of important words and further resources. A few miscues aside (no, the speed of sound is not invariant), it's a grand show, with a logically placed intermission following a peek into the bladder and a literal "wrap" at the end as the emcee puts herself together from inside out. It's a lot to take in at one sitting, but this anatomical extravaganza really gets to the heart of the matter. Not to mention the guts, nerves, veins, bones.... (glossary, bibliography) (Graphic nonfiction. 12-14)

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Starred review from September 15, 2015
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* Cartoonish atoms, molecules, cells, bacteria, organs, and other elements explain their forms and functions in this friendly, accessible graphic-novel guide to the human body. A jaunty skeleton emcees the performance, which is divided into 11 acts, one for each major system. Wicks provides a detailed, well-labeled diagram for each one, and while they are simplified images, they are realistic enough that the most important components are clearly delineated. The respiratory system, for example, opens with a diagram of the lungs and bronchial tubes, which also zooms in on bronchioles and alveoli. But this is no dry manual! Wicks includes plenty of slapstick antics among the animated body parts, and some well-timed, occasionally groan-inducing jokes, which are sure to keep kids engaged. While the chapter on the digestive system is thorough and informative, for instance, it's also peppered with body humor (of course). After waxing sympathetic on the terrors of puberty, the chapter on the reproductive system, meanwhile, manages to cover conception and birth, while sidestepping sex. Wicks' playful cartoon artwork in saturated colors makes the potentially daunting and embarrassing subject of anatomy approachable and fun, but never at the expense of accuracy or clarity. This informative, frank exploration of the body perfectly balances science and silliness.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

Starred review from September 1, 2015

Gr 4-8-A playfully engaging skeleton emcee introduces the parts of the body and their systems as part of an informational stage revue in this clever overview of human biology. Panels, word balloons, and cartoon illustrations provide strong visuals, while each chapter covers a different biological system in a logical, well-organized fashion, with an initial overview that leads into more specific details-though the lack of an index makes this less effective as a source for reports. The skeleton interjects context, makes connections to previously mentioned facts, and establishes a lighthearted tone. The cast of characters includes walking, talking, and sometimes wisecracking body parts, as well as food, viruses, blood cells, and other body-related items, which inject humor as they interact with the skeleton host. The food particle who wishes for a parachute as it exits the rectum, for instance, is funny but also accurately demonstrates this bodily function. The jokes never become too frantic and are always relevant. The skeleton also presents pertinent tips about safety, nutrition, and puberty. While the human body has been covered in sequential art format before, this title does an excellent job of balancing the comedy and the facts while offering a comprehensive look at how body parts work on their own and as part of the whole biological system. VERDICT A delightful and enlightening addition to nonfiction graphic novel collections.-Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

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