7 books to teach kids about their bodies

I love using books as a teaching tool. Teaching kids about the wonder of their bodies can be tricky, and I knew my friend Miranda Rosbach would have some amazing recommendations. Miranda is a former librarian turned book reviewer who runs the successful book blog, My Bookbloom. She put this list together just for you.

Take it away, Miranda!

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Kids have a natural curiosity about their body, whether they’re seeking out attention for a minor scrape or getting an x-ray for something more serious. Children can become confident in the functions of their body by learning more about how different parts work in tandem.
These seven informative reads are all aimed at teaching kids about the invisible, ever-working mechanics of the human body. Some of them are specifically designed for kids to pore over them for hours, which is especially handy for home reference materials.

Note: None of these books are geared towards puberty-specific discussions, but a more holistic conversation about the body is certainly encouraged at the appropriate age.

Anatomy: A Cutaway Look Inside the Human Body by Hélène Druvert

If you’ve ever wanted an absolute stunner of a children’s book about the human body, this is the one. Thoughtfully designed with laser-cut technology, each element unfurls itself through a series of layers. Peruse the skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems, while simultaneously delving into internal organs, blood, and other anatomical features. Each page turn is truly awe-inspiring.

Ages 5+

Illumanatomy by Kate Davies

Another visual stunner, this book includes a lens which children can manipulate to see the (blue, red, or green) internal structures that work together in any given area of the body. Take your STEM education to a new level with this fascinating, interactive book.

Ages 6-10+

Life on Earth: Human Body by Heather Alexander

Vibrant in its approach, this book has a bit of an infographic feel to it, with approachable cartoon-like illustrations, not to mention an abundance of facts that will remind readers just how marvelous the human body is.

Ages 4+

Professor Astro Cat’s Human Body Odyssey by Dominic Williams

We talk about the brain a fair bit in our house (e.g., the two halves of our brain and the upstairs/downstairs functions that control/regulate our emotional responses). With detailed illustrations, this nonfiction picture book features a compelling and comprehensive look at the human body. No doubt it will easily become a go-to reference manual in your house too.

Ages 6-10

Samira and the Skeletons by Camilla Kuhn

There’s something about translated books (from non-English to English) that tend to convey the ick/macabre factor better to children. This is one of those books. Samira is repulsed when she learns she’s been playing not just with her friend Frida, but with Frida’s skeleton too. And she’s sure she doesn’t have one of those bone-clattering structures inside her. Will Samira be able to eat, move, and interact as she always has, or will her newfound knowledge lead to drastic measures?

Ages 3-7

Shine-A-Light: The Human Body by Carron Brown

“A human body has many parts that work together to help a person live and grow.” A new person waits to be born, while older children kick a soccer ball and blow out birthday candles. Hold the right side pages up to the light to see the interior images of fingerprints, lungs, muscles, and nerves. With engaging and diverse illustrations, young readers will return to this book again and again.

Ages 4-6

The Human Body (PlayTabs) by Stephanie Babin

A thoroughly engaging nonfiction board book that is paper engineered to tour young kids through the functions and needs of their body. Even a one-year-old can manipulate the sturdy tabs without breaking the book.

Ages 2-6