ALA Booklist (Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Few would think to form rhymes with the terms collagen, melanocytes, and sweat glands, but Dr. Joanne Settel, aka Dr. Jo, gives the skin-ny on humans' largest organ through a series of amusing yet highly informative rhymes. Starting with skin basics, such as its purpose, make up, and many layers, she continues with shades of skin, including blushing, tanning, and freckles, and how skin changes, from raising goose bumps to wrinkling when wet to getting downright sweaty. Other sections cover how cuts, bruises, and scabs form; what happens to skin attacked by mosquito bites, sunburn, and viruses; and such skin blemishes as pimples, blisters, and warts. "Cool Facts" about related skin topics are interspersed throughout each section, and bolded terms are defined in a detailed glossary. Many facts spotlight animal differences (e.g., polar bears have white fur but black skin to absorb heat better). Dr. Jo also emphasizes healthy skin care, especially wearing sunscreen. Squiggly, cartoonlike illustrations highlight the humor and depict occasional skin diagrams. Children will pore over this inviting look at their skin.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

As verse in an informal typeface poses kid-like questions related to human skin (Why do I sweat?; What causes warts?), a reply in regular type provides rhymed, scientific answers. Occasional "Cool Facts About..." prose sections break from the poetic Q-and-A format and provide more substantial information. Witty digital spot art appears on each thick, glossy page. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

School Library Journal (Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Gr 3-6 Settel offers detailed information about skin. Most of the facts are about human dermis layers and their functions, but some unique animal skin features are also explained. Melanin, blood clots, sweat, freckles, sunburn, fingerprints, and more are all described in clever rhyming verse that reads nicely. "Where a mosquito lands depends/on who among your nearby friends/gives off the sweat that carries more/of what these pests are looking for." The poems are sometimes accompanied by informational text. Different fonts distinguish the speakers when the poems include a question-and-answer structure. All spreads include comical and enlightening cartoon illustrations, including some excellent cross sections, which add to the light humorous approach to the biological information. Readers are likely to hope for more of these anatomy lessons and poems from Settel. Educators will appreciate the opportunity to talk about nonfiction text features and formats while teaching health and science. VERDICT This equally informative and entertaining combination of poetry and anatomical science is a fine addition for libraries serving middle grade readers. Elaine Fultz, Madison Jr. Sr. High School, Middletown, OH