The Busy Body Book : A Kid's Guide to Fitness
This "must have" book is an excellent reference for parents and teachers who wish to provide elementary school children with a refreshing look at how the body works. It is invigorating, filled with energy, and is sure to inspire children and grown-ups to "get busy".
Get Pumped! The author arouses interest and enthusiasm right from the get-go by revealing clear, colorful images of lively children (and grown-ups) and the many fun, exciting ways that we can be physically active at any age. She asks, "What's your favorite way to get busy?"
This fabulous book includes six full page diagrams illustrating: The Skeleton, The Muscles, The Brain and Nerves, The Lungs, The Heart and Blood Vessels, and The Stomach and Intestines. Each diagram uses color for clarification, labels the most vital body parts, and explains body systems and functions at an elementary level.
Positive messages are relayed throughout the book, such as the benefits of leading healthy lives. Good nutrition is reinforced through the reasons why our bodies need a variety of foods. Most importantly, it raises body awareness and prompts children to love and take care of themselves through proper nutrition, plenty of water, staying active and getting enough rest.
Concluding the book is a chart that outlines different activities that include suggestions for stretching, strengthening, aerobics, moderate activities, and deep breathing.
The inside back cover addresses parents and teachers. The author expresses concern for the children of today: the problems of obesity, and the serious health risks that it leads to such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. Diet and physical activity are equally important factors to maintaining health and breaking the patterns of inactivity. She lets us know that as parents/teachers we can initiate healthy examples and set limits on sedentary activities. Once children realize the amazing potential of their bodies, they will be motivated to participate in various activities and strive to test their abilities.
