Thirty Trillion Cells: How Your Body Really Works

by Isabel Thomas, Dawn Cooper (Illustrator)

Do you know what you’re made of? The answer is cells―thirty trillion of them―all working together to form one awesome human YOU. 'Fun, inspiring, and well researched.' - Kirkus Reviews, starred review of One Million Insects Did you know that the number of microorganisms in your body outnumber your own cells by 10 to 1? Or that every second, your body produces around 25 million new cells? Or that a human being has fewer chromosomes than, wait for it… a pineapple! 30 Trillion Cells provides a detailed look at the topic of the human body, covering of the body's major systems and organs, as well as looking at the cellular level and at the genetics that play a part in making us who we are. Readers will also explore the human body as a microbiome, discovering the trillions of 'good' microbes that live on and within us, doing their bit to keep us healthy. Features expansive, artistic illustration that is as beautiful to look at as it is educational.

Genres: Science, Picture Books, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

Published March 14, 2023

Reviews

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teach biology of aging (a gerontology class). The textbook works more on the organ / system level, so it was great to learn a little bit about the cellular level of the body. Chapters discuss a range of cells. 80% of each page contains fabulous drawings of various cells, sometime next to a depiction of the organ or the whole body with the corresponding system highlighted. The book is geared to readers 8 to 14, but it's engaging for readers of all ages.

Here is the TOC:

Intro: Cells are the building blocks of you!
Ch. 1: What is inside a cell? Why do we have so many cells? How do cells know what to do?

Ch. 2: Brain cells, Heart cells, Fat cells, Blood cells, Bone cells, Skin cells, Liver cells, Sex cells.

Ch. 3 From cells to systems, Digestive system, Respiratory system, Cardiovascular system, Skeletomuscular system, Integumentary system, Immune system, Excretory system, Nervous system, Endocrine system.

Ch. 4 Where do cells come from? When cells go wrong. Why don't cells live forever?

Ch. 5 30 trillion more. the garden in your gut. You and your cells.

Glossary and Index

[𓂀 ✦ 𓋹 kandake 𓋹 ✦ 𓂀 of Mars X · Rating 3 out of 5]

pros:

* cute illustrations
* useful glossary
* informative

cons:

* talks about cell sizes like "15-30 micrometers" and "a tenth of a millimeter wide" but no reference or comparison to help kids imagine true size
*loves repeating "30 trillion cells"!
*the "why don't cells live forever?" section is bleak and not even up-to-date based on current medical advancements and life longevity research

Overall:

informative and well-meaning but could have better written content, but i do love the illustrations and the refresher as an adult. pretty good digital version as viewed on Libby app.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could be a textbook for children studying the human body in a classroom. I wonder what grade level it would be most appropriate for however. The author uses technical words, as is appropriate, and doesn't always explain all the details in the illustrations. But I hope that libraries find room in their budgets for this one.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously illustrated book targeted at young'uns but it was about the level I was looking for. I think it could have been improved even more by a more systems thinking based way of looking at the body.

[Rebecca Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book, which accompanied a study book,it was very informative

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for children 10 and up. Beautifully illustrated, well written. I was impressed with the organization. This book will start a medical career for many young people.