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The Magic School Bus #10
The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!
On a most sense-sational trip that takes them through an eye, an ear, a tongue, and even a dog's nose, Ms. Frizzle's class learns about the senses. Using their trademark sense of humor, Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen provide facts about the senses in both the human and animal worlds.
On a most sense-sational trip that takes them through an eye, an ear, a tongue, and even a dog's nose, Ms. Frizzle's class learns about the senses. Using their trademark sense of humor, Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen provide facts about the senses in both the human and animal worlds.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Joanna Cole
494 books209 followersJoanna Cole, who also wrote under the pseudonym B. J. Barnet, was an author of children’s books who teaches science.
She is most famous as the author of The Magic School Bus series of children's books. Joanna Cole wrote over 250 books ranging from her first book Cockroach to her famous series Magic School Bus.
Cole was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby East Orange. She loved science as a child, and had a teacher she says was a little like Ms. Frizzle. She attended the University of Massachusetts and Indiana University before graduating from the City College of New York with a B.A. in psychology. After some graduate education courses, she spent a year as a librarian in a Brooklyn elementary school. Cole subsequently became a letters correspondent at Newsweek, and then a senior editor for Doubleday Books for Young Readers.
She is most famous as the author of The Magic School Bus series of children's books. Joanna Cole wrote over 250 books ranging from her first book Cockroach to her famous series Magic School Bus.
Cole was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby East Orange. She loved science as a child, and had a teacher she says was a little like Ms. Frizzle. She attended the University of Massachusetts and Indiana University before graduating from the City College of New York with a B.A. in psychology. After some graduate education courses, she spent a year as a librarian in a Brooklyn elementary school. Cole subsequently became a letters correspondent at Newsweek, and then a senior editor for Doubleday Books for Young Readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 30, 2026
"I've got to catch up with Ms. Frizzle!" said Mr. Wilde. To our surprise, he got behind the wheel of our bus.The new assistant principal, Mr. Wilde, has a meeting with Ms. Frizzle but she accidently left for the day in her car.
He's determined let her know and the kids in her class are determined not to let Mr. Wilde drive Ms. Frizzle's bus unassisted.
And so one of Ms. Frizzle's zany adventures begins, but for the first time she's not behind the wheel!
"Mr. Wilde is a great assistant principal but I don't think he can handle the bus..."
Another fabulous science book! I rather liked how we got a fairly decent overview of the five main senses.
"Green means go," he muttered to himself, reaching for the switch.
"DON'T TOUCH IT!" we warned.
But it was too late.
For example, we learned about how vision works by popping into an eyeball and traveling up the optic nerve into the brain - it was kinda weird but it also was effective.
The overview of hearing and soundwaves was similarly well done.
I've taken my fair share of college biology courses and the information given is really solid.
One thing to consider - this is not a quick bedtime book. If you are reading this one, be prepared to sink some time in it!!
August 21, 2020
I'm not sure how author Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degan keep topping themselves, but they do. They have a formula for the Magic School Bus books, but they keep changing it slightly with each book. They'll add a new character or things will go wrong from the script.
In this book, the bus explores the senses, but it's driven by the assistant principal. And they go not only into a dog's nose and a cat's ear, but also Ms. Frizzle's tongue--and skin!
As always, the end of the book distinguishes between what is scientifically possible and what isn't.
Enjoy it!
In this book, the bus explores the senses, but it's driven by the assistant principal. And they go not only into a dog's nose and a cat's ear, but also Ms. Frizzle's tongue--and skin!
As always, the end of the book distinguishes between what is scientifically possible and what isn't.
Enjoy it!
April 12, 2012
Magic School Bus books are great for introducing science lessons. This specific one is about Mrs. Frizzle's class exploring the five senses through an eye, ear, tongue, and even a dogs nose. We learn about the senses in not only the human world but animal world too. I would use this book for kindergarten/first grade.
April 22, 2012
This is a great book to support a lesson on the five senses. The students get to see the senses from another side (inside). They get a close up look at what is happening when we use our senses. The pictures are great in this book and the students would truly be engaged with the five senses when reading this book.
September 8, 2015
A wonderful read from my childhood, one I’d certainly suggest for other youngsters. Whilst it is not my all-time favourite childhood read I can still recall all the details of this one meaning it certainly left a lasting impression upon my young mind.
And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?
And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?
February 2, 2012
This book is perfect for opening a unit on the senses in kindergarten. Granted this book could be placed into many classroooms of different ages, it is critical children learn and understand there senses and this book is relatable to many children.
August 9, 2012
An educator can use this book by Joaana Cole to orientate Pre-K students to the senses of the human body. An educator can trully have fun creating games which highlights sight, hearing, tasting, etc. and the organs which facilitate the important functions for daily life's activities.
September 13, 2015
We've read this one at least three times since we got it from the library, and I love the craziness of the story. I love how Ms. Frizzle always seems to have a hand in everything. Also, her mom is awesome looking.
March 10, 2020
Read with my son when he was in first grade.* He loved watching the Magic School Bus and the books were a fun way for him to learn to read too.
*He had to keep a reading log and I just found this when going through storage tubs.
*He had to keep a reading log and I just found this when going through storage tubs.
March 16, 2010
I would definitely read this book to my younger students. It teaches students about the five senses.
October 26, 2022
so today i decided i’m going to read 1 children’s book a day because they make me so happy.
5⭐️s! i actually learned a lot from this scholastic quirky read. i would love to read all of the original magic school bus books. i spent almost an hour reading this book just to savor the content and illustrations which were inspiring, splashed all over the page and filled with science. loved it.
📚 this is silly but i love the smell of books and this one was low on the smell meter. hoping the next book won’t disappoint, hehe
5⭐️s! i actually learned a lot from this scholastic quirky read. i would love to read all of the original magic school bus books. i spent almost an hour reading this book just to savor the content and illustrations which were inspiring, splashed all over the page and filled with science. loved it.
📚 this is silly but i love the smell of books and this one was low on the smell meter. hoping the next book won’t disappoint, hehe
January 2, 2023
oh god
Read
April 30, 2012This book is the final chapter to Cole and Degan’s long-running series. The idea of the Magic School Bus is known as one of the best ideas in the history of children’s literature.
As usual the tale begins inside the Friz’s classroom during a lesson about the five senses. They are learning a song which they plan on performing at the parent-teacher conference tomorrow evening. However, little does Ms. Frizzle know that the conference was actually that evening. It wouldn’t be a book from this series if there wasn’t a crazy adventure. Mr. Wilde embarks on the adventure on the school bus, firstly creating suspense as to what catastrophes might occur. With all his enthusiasm he fiddles with a switch he shouldn’t touch and immediately the bus shrinks until it’s no bigger than a speck of dust! Instead of fretting and panicking the students and Mr. Wilde make the best out of a sticky situation. They turn it into a learning experience centred on the five senses.
This book would work great as part of a PSHE lesson. Even though Ms. Frizzle is not with her students during their inside-story of a field trip, leading them along, they manage to hold their own just fine without her. In their first adventure together ("At the Waterworks"), the Friz was literally holding her students by the hand. In this book, however, she casts her class adrift so the children can figure things out on their own, a test they pass with flying colours. It's a sign of just how much they have grown under the instruction of Ms. Frizzle and her unusual teaching techniques.
This book instils a message to children that yes, eventually there won't be an adult around to point out every little thing. But not to worry! You will have learned so much during that time, you won't need someone to fulfil that duty. You will discover the beauty of independent thinking. And this ties in with one of the Friz's most basic principles: "Take chances! Make mistakes! And get messy!" By the time the students, as well as readers of the book reach the end they are ready to move on, to grow, to take the next step.
As usual the tale begins inside the Friz’s classroom during a lesson about the five senses. They are learning a song which they plan on performing at the parent-teacher conference tomorrow evening. However, little does Ms. Frizzle know that the conference was actually that evening. It wouldn’t be a book from this series if there wasn’t a crazy adventure. Mr. Wilde embarks on the adventure on the school bus, firstly creating suspense as to what catastrophes might occur. With all his enthusiasm he fiddles with a switch he shouldn’t touch and immediately the bus shrinks until it’s no bigger than a speck of dust! Instead of fretting and panicking the students and Mr. Wilde make the best out of a sticky situation. They turn it into a learning experience centred on the five senses.
This book would work great as part of a PSHE lesson. Even though Ms. Frizzle is not with her students during their inside-story of a field trip, leading them along, they manage to hold their own just fine without her. In their first adventure together ("At the Waterworks"), the Friz was literally holding her students by the hand. In this book, however, she casts her class adrift so the children can figure things out on their own, a test they pass with flying colours. It's a sign of just how much they have grown under the instruction of Ms. Frizzle and her unusual teaching techniques.
This book instils a message to children that yes, eventually there won't be an adult around to point out every little thing. But not to worry! You will have learned so much during that time, you won't need someone to fulfil that duty. You will discover the beauty of independent thinking. And this ties in with one of the Friz's most basic principles: "Take chances! Make mistakes! And get messy!" By the time the students, as well as readers of the book reach the end they are ready to move on, to grow, to take the next step.
May 6, 2019
Ms. Frizzle never disappoints. There is always an adventure when you are inside of her classroom. This book is both fun and educational. It is hard to teach children facts about the human body in a way that will interest them. This book specifically talks about the senses and how each one works and what each one does. Kids know that they see hear, taste, touch, and smell but do they know why? Do they ever even question why? If not this book is sure to get them thinking. It is perfect for grades 1-3 as they are eager to learn and understand what's going on with them. I would use it in a classroom setting and think of an idea to incorporate the senses. We could play a matching game or a series of bingo. The illustrations are pretty cool as well. The cover alone shows you how we are going on a journey to learn about the human senses. I rated this book a 5 because there are not very many fun ways to teach kids why they have all of these functions. Following up children may have many more questions about why and what else their body does.
December 10, 2019
This used to be one of my favorite books to read as a child, and for my parents too because I was learning something from it.
When I re read this story, all I could think about was how many different activities I could incorporate like this into my classroom. Ms. Frizzle did an awesome job at explaining how all of the different senses effect each of us. She even mentions how they effect animals as well so the kids would know this relates to everyone. I would read this book to my kindergarteners when learning about what the senses are and bring different items that we could use our senses to describe. The illustrations in this book were very animated and colorful, fun to look at for all ages!
When I re read this story, all I could think about was how many different activities I could incorporate like this into my classroom. Ms. Frizzle did an awesome job at explaining how all of the different senses effect each of us. She even mentions how they effect animals as well so the kids would know this relates to everyone. I would read this book to my kindergarteners when learning about what the senses are and bring different items that we could use our senses to describe. The illustrations in this book were very animated and colorful, fun to look at for all ages!
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May 23, 2021This book is loaded with informational after information. Ms. Frizzel and her class enter the human body and discover the 5 senses. The pictures are detailed with labels of every part in the eye or brain etc. The author and illustrator top themselves with each book. Adding something new, a new problem or new character. When I was reading it aloud to a group of students, they begged me to continue. I recommend these books to any grade level because they have enriching vocabulary and images.
July 8, 2020
3.5 I personally wasn’t crazy about the fantasy element and felt like the book was visually too busy, but it was one of the better books we were able to get on the senses. I liked that it had some extra information available for interested readers. Most importantly, my daughter was very interested and spent a good amount of time reading it on her own.
September 20, 2018
The way that this book uses real life examples is fantastic, because it really becomes relatable and memorable for the children reading it. The adventures that these children go on will definitely help teach children about the various senses, which is the entire purpose of this book!
August 19, 2020
We love the Magic School Bus series. These books are so informative and visually appealing for readers of all ages.
January 12, 2021
Still a favorite! It had been hiding until we recently found it. Nice to hear about the eye and imagine walking on a brain!
October 24, 2021
It's the Magic School Bus! What more can I say? Excellent read!
December 9, 2021
My four year old loves this book. So much to look at and read (and learn). A classic.
May 5, 2021
Book Title: The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses
Author/Illustrator: Joanna Cole (Author); Bruce Degen (Illustrator)
Reading Level: 4.3
Book Level: grades 3 to 5
Book Summary: The class is learning about the five senses and how people and animals use them. There a series of unfortunate events, Mr. Wilde, the school’s assistant principal, accidentally takes the driver's seat in Ms. Frizzle’s bus, and he takes the class on a wild field trip. Mr. Wilde and the class learn about the eyes, the ears, the nose, and the mouth. This book takes the reader on a science adventure and he/she can learn a lot about the five senses and the body parts that use them.
Bookshelf Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
Organization: This book has great organization. After the bus ends up in the eye of a police officer, it follows a logical pattern of the senses. The pages also have extra facts along the edges of the sentences and pictures that allow the reader to learn more about the specific body part the characters are exploring. There are also facts about animals or humans that use that specific sense. As further exploration of “Organization,” I would have my students research a topic of their choice and write a sequential narrative about their topic. I would want them to focus on transitioning from one idea to the next and have it flow nicely.
Author/Illustrator: Joanna Cole (Author); Bruce Degen (Illustrator)
Reading Level: 4.3
Book Level: grades 3 to 5
Book Summary: The class is learning about the five senses and how people and animals use them. There a series of unfortunate events, Mr. Wilde, the school’s assistant principal, accidentally takes the driver's seat in Ms. Frizzle’s bus, and he takes the class on a wild field trip. Mr. Wilde and the class learn about the eyes, the ears, the nose, and the mouth. This book takes the reader on a science adventure and he/she can learn a lot about the five senses and the body parts that use them.
Bookshelf Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
Organization: This book has great organization. After the bus ends up in the eye of a police officer, it follows a logical pattern of the senses. The pages also have extra facts along the edges of the sentences and pictures that allow the reader to learn more about the specific body part the characters are exploring. There are also facts about animals or humans that use that specific sense. As further exploration of “Organization,” I would have my students research a topic of their choice and write a sequential narrative about their topic. I would want them to focus on transitioning from one idea to the next and have it flow nicely.
April 7, 2025
This is a wonderful book to learn about the scenes; science class made fun. There are many explanations about the scene receptors. I love all the children's Reports/Essays with little fun facts.
June 22, 2017
This book is about a class learning about senses. They go on an adventure on a magic bus through an eyeball, a brain, an ear, a nose, and a mouth exploring each sense while they are there. There are facts on every page of this book, along with the fictitious story,
I only gave this book three stars because it is extremely busy. There is a large amount of facts on top of the words to the story on every page. I think a book like this one would be very overwhelming for children to read or even to watch being read. It is great that it has so many real facts but I feel that there should be less on each page.
(Fantasy)
I only gave this book three stars because it is extremely busy. There is a large amount of facts on top of the words to the story on every page. I think a book like this one would be very overwhelming for children to read or even to watch being read. It is great that it has so many real facts but I feel that there should be less on each page.
(Fantasy)
November 21, 2017
The Magic School Bus is a classic nonfiction/fictional story about a teacher named Mrs. Frizzle and her class traveling to various places to learn something new. This time, they are learning about the 5 senses of seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing, and touching. They travel into various people and animals to learn deeper into these sense. This is a great book to have in the 3rd-4th grade classroom library for students to learn about the body.
July 9, 2025
A little tough to wrap an almost 4-year-old’s head around, because the words for specific things in the eye (cornea, retina) and ear (cochlea) are harder to retain than “red blood cell” or “germ” or “stegosaur”. Additionally, suffers from the disposition of Ms. Frizzle to a supporting role. Not trying to take shots at Assistant Principals everywhere - although the author certainly does - but Mr. Wilde ain’t it.
April 27, 2018
I'm not sure who the target audience of this book is. it's too difficult for an young independent reader, but it's far too dense for a younger child who might be read to. there is so much good information about the senses and how they affect not just humans, but animals too. but then there is a distracting silly storyline that doesn't add anything except as an obvious comedy break.
April 19, 2020
The book is a fun science trip, Mrs. Frizzle and her students taken to explore the senses. The book talks about the senses for humans and for animals too. I can use this book to introduce in my future when my students learn about the five senses.
May 4, 2017
I consider myself a reasonably intelligent baby, but to be honest this was a little out of my depth. I will have to revisit it once I'm two or so. -M
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews