The Usborne Book of the brain and how it works by Dr Betina Ip Illus. by Mia Nilsson

The most important part of the human body is the brain but it is only in the last little while that technology has enabled scientists to examine it more closely and start to understand its complexities and connections and figure out how it works. Indeed, about 20 years ago there were huge shifts in the way we teach as new pedagogies emerged from this new understanding and "brain-based learning" was the buzzword of the times.

But for all that we, as teachers, were learning about the principles of learning, and the magic trees of the mind, books which clearly explained how the brain functions which were accessible by young learners have been few and far between. So this new publication which is essentially a conversation between a wise owl and a curious little girl fills a void.

Using speech bubbles, the owl takes the girl on a journey through her brain clearly explaining its parts, its functions, how we learn and how to keep it active and healthy offering a clear and concise explanation that is perfectly pitched for its target audience. From the senses to sleep, memories to making decisions, it provides an introduction to this fascinating topic and then this is supported by the selected online sites in the Quicklinks that accompany these sorts of Usborne publications.

An essential part of any investigation into how we learn by teachers and how our bodies work by students. At the very least, it will help both groups understand why each of us is unique and views the world that little bit differently.

Themes: Brain.

Barbara Braxton