If you have never thought of a picture book about intestines and stomach contents, much less one that is clever and beautiful, get ready! I first heard of A Garden in Your Belly written and illustrated by Masha D’Yans with its book birthday tomorrow, at a Highlights virtual workshop on writing science and nature themes for children. I was intrigued at the concept and looked to see if Net Galley offered an advance reading copy. Not only did they offer one, they sent it to my phone so the beautiful illustrations were available! (Advance copies on my Kindle are fine for print, but lack a good illustration component.)
My first impression was shock that these gorgeous illustrations are to explain intestines! Masha uses the metaphor of a river running through a garden to present the belly microbiome filled with microorganisms. In clever text and quips in conversation bubbles, she describes the good and bad microorganisms in the human body and the ways they affect a person’s physical and mental health, and does it in a way that will entertain as well as inform the children who read it. For instance, she has the weeds liking such things as junk food and sweets and the good guys liking fruit, veggies, nuts, and yogurt.
In addition to the child who will enjoy and learn from the book, there is backmatter explaining the microbiome, a glossary, and some amazing facts that the adult who is reading aloud will enjoy and learn from. They certainly didn’t make science books this interesting when I was growing up. In a win-win, the child enjoys learning about his or her body, and the adult reader gets a basis for future conversations about why fruit snacks are preferable to Fritos.